The Astronauts lost a star in free agent trade. They move long-term second baseman to left field. It will be a different team who hopes to remain an AL contender in the near term while avoiding a real rebuild in the second half of this decade.
Major League Baseball signing
2025 Expenditure: $21.2mm
Total expenditure: $62.2mm
Option decision
Transactions and claims
Famous minor league signing
Extended
Notable losses
- Kyle Tucker,,,,, Alex Bregman,,,,, Justin Verlander,,,,, Yusei Kikuchi,,,,, Ryan Media,,,,, José Urquidy (non-inclined), Caleb Ferguson,,,,, Héctor Neris,,,,, Jason Heyward,,,,, Kendall Graveman,,,,, Seth Martinez (by waiver), Penn Murfee (by waiver), Grae Kessinger,,,,, Trey Cabbage (Pass exemption)
The Astronauts are seeking their ninth straight playoff berth. Houston’s incredible matches to the ALCS were over for seven straight trips, but they were still promoted to Al West title in the ’24 campaign. Of course, the battle window certainly didn’t close, but the front desk cuts work for them this winter.
Alex Bregman Free agents are the most direct challenge. Houston has spent the luxury tax industry under its owner Jim Crane, and occasionally spends luxury taxes. They are willing to spend, but this is due to the general warning that they are not keen on offering long-term contracts. Houston has allowed George Springer and Carlos Correa Enter free agent. How much urgency will they show with Bregman?
The Astronauts do their best to retain their long-term third baseman. They reportedly offered a six-year, $156mm proposal earlier in the winter. Bregman is still pursuing a contract of nearly 200mm. When Houston left a quote on the table, when no deal was made during the first six weeks of the offseason, the front desk began to draw attention elsewhere.
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