Astros' Backup Plans Involve Christian Walker as Alex Bregman Remains a Free Agent

It's well-known that re-signing Alex Bregman is the top priority for the Astros, yet he remains a free agent. As they navigate the offseason, the team must consider contingency plans in case Bregman signs elsewhere. According to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com, the Astros might shift their focus to first base, with discussions around acquiring Christian Walker.

The negotiation dance between the Astros and Bregman has been ongoing without reaching a consensus. Since Dana Brown took over as general manager in January 2023, there has been a clear intent to secure core players through extensions. While the team successfully extended Jose Altuve and Cristian Javier, they have not managed to do the same with Bregman or Kyle Tucker. Both Brown and owner Jim Crane have consistently expressed their desire to re-sign Bregman, yet no agreement has been finalized.

The Astros' hesitation to commit to large contracts is a significant hurdle. The $151 million extension for Altuve in 2018 remains their largest contract guarantee, and the six-year deal for Yordan Alvarez is their longest pact. This cautious approach has seen them let key players like Gerrit Cole, George Springer, and Carlos Correa secure lucrative contracts with other teams.

As the uncertainty with Bregman continues, the Astros are also exploring other options. Jorge Polanco has been considered as a potential fallback, but the latest reports suggest a possible shift in focus to Christian Walker for first base. This strategy highlights the team’s need to prepare for all scenarios and ensure they have robust plans to maintain their competitive edge.

​The ongoing situation with Bregman underscores the Astros' complex dynamics in handling contract negotiations and their broader strategy for team building. It remains to be seen how these efforts will unfold and impact their roster for the upcoming season.