The Houston Astros may be shifting their offseason priorities as they weigh a critical decision: whether to retain franchise cornerstone Alex Bregman or risk losing both him and outfielder Kyle Tucker in the near future. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Astros face challenges in their ability to secure Tucker, who could command a $300 million-plus contract when he hits free agency after the 2025 season. This uncertainty may push the Astros to commit to Bregman, ensuring stability in their lineup and leadership core.
The Case for Bregman
Bregman, a two-time World Series champion and two-time All-Star, remains a vital piece of Houston’s identity. Following his Gold Glove-winning 2024 season, Astros general manager Dana Brown emphasized the importance of retaining the star third baseman.
“Our biggest priority is third base, without a doubt,” Brown stated during the MLB general manager meetings, per the Houston Chronicle. “We’d love to have Alex Bregman back. It’s our biggest priority.”
However, Brown acknowledged the Astros’ financial constraints, suggesting that while the team is open to significant commitments, they are wary of lengthy deals. “We don’t plan to give multiple eight-year contracts, but a six- or seven-year deal for the right player could make sense,” he noted.
Astros Face Financial Juggling Act
The team’s current payroll challenges mean strategic adjustments may be necessary. Reports from The Athletic suggest Houston is considering trading setup man Ryan Pressly to create payroll flexibility and potentially move further from the luxury tax threshold.
Additionally, the Astros are likely to lose pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who is expected to attract significant interest in free agency.
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