Alex Bregman, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros, is one of the top free agents this offseason. According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, four teams have shown significant interest in the talented third baseman: the Astros, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.


The Astros have reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal, but he is seeking a contract closer to $200 million. Bregman's teammates, including Jose Altuve, are hopeful he will return to Houston in 2025, prompting the team to make strategic moves to accommodate his potential return.


If the Red Sox decide to sign Bregman, he would likely transition to second base, allowing Rafael Devers to remain at third base. The Yankees' interest in Bregman has intensified following Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Tigers are also keen on acquiring Bregman, though his price tag may be a challenge for Detroit.

During the 2024 Winter Meetings, Astros general manager Dana Brown indicated that Houston is open to trading any player, including right fielder Kyle Tucker, if it benefits the team's roster. Brown's statement reflects a flexible approach to building a competitive team.


"I think everybody -- you would listen on all the players," Brown said. "I don't think that you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys."


Tucker, who will become a free agent after the 2025 season, had an impressive 2024 season, posting a .289/.408/.585 slash line with 23 home runs in just 78 games. His potential availability has generated significant interest at the Winter Meetings, as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.


While the Astros are keen to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman, this doesn't necessarily mean Tucker will be traded. However, the possibility remains open as the team looks to make strategic moves.

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Houston's willingness to consider offers for Tucker highlights their commitment to improving their roster and maintaining a competitive edge in the league. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these potential moves unfold.

The Houston Astros are in contending mode, as they have been for several years, but they continue to balance their competitive aspirations with ownership's desire to trim or stabilize payroll. This delicate balancing act is why General Manager Dana Brown didn't outright dismiss the possibility of trading core team members, outfielder Kyle Tucker and ace Framber Valdez, when asked about it. Brown stated via MLB.com:


"You would listen on all the players. I don't think you would turn a deaf ear to any of these guys. I think the big thing is if you have an opportunity to make the club better, you would at least listen to other clubs and see if something makes sense for the club in the present and also long-term."


The Athletic reports that the Astros are indeed receiving inquiries about Tucker's availability. While it remains unlikely that the Astros will trade either star player, the fact that it's being considered highlights the complex dynamics of team management and financial constraints.


As the offseason progresses, the Astros must navigate these challenges to maintain their competitive edge while addressing financial considerations.

With Juan Soto's record-shattering deal with the New York Mets now official, the focus of the free agent market is shifting. Among the top beneficiaries of the increased aggressiveness from teams that missed out on Soto could be third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Rob Bradford of WEEI, the Red Sox are "immediately prioritizing" a pursuit of Bregman, while USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Yankees are also expected to make a run at free agency's top infielder.


The Red Sox, who were previously reported as potential suitors for Bregman, appear to have intensified their interest following Soto's signing. Adding the 30-year-old veteran to their roster makes sense for Boston, as Bregman would provide a right-handed bat to balance their heavily left-handed lineup. Bregman boasts a career .277/.367/.494 slash line against left-handed pitchers, which would be a valuable asset for the team.


Moreover, the Red Sox have a crowded outfield, making the infield an obvious place to strengthen their lineup. While they have focused on pitching help so far this offseason, missing out on Soto may lead them to invest in Bregman instead.


The Yankees, too, are eyeing Bregman as they look to bolster their roster. With Soto off the table, Bregman represents a top-tier option to enhance their infield and overall lineup strength.


As the offseason progresses, the competition for Bregman will be fierce. Both the Red Sox and Yankees are known for their willingness to spend big to secure top talent, setting the stage for an exciting bidding war.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Houston Astros are actively exploring trade options for right-hander Ryan Pressly. This isn't the first time Pressly’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, as reports from last month indicated the Astros had internally discussed moving the veteran reliever. However, Nightengale’s update suggests the club is now actively shopping him to other teams.

This decision comes amid budget constraints acknowledged by Astros General Manager Dana Brown. Despite the team's desire to remain competitive in the upcoming season, Brown has indicated the need for creative solutions to address the roster's needs. The departure of longtime third baseman Alex Bregman to free agency has left the Astros with gaps at both corner infield positions, along with opportunities for improvement in the outfield and starting rotation.

​The Astros’ financial situation further complicates their offseason plans. With a projected $215 million payroll for 2025, the team is only $20 million below their Opening Day payroll for 2024 and $29 million below their end-of-season payroll from last year. These constraints have necessitated a closer look at their options, including the potential trade of Pressly.

The Houston Astros have made a significant offer to retain third baseman Alex Bregman, proposing a six-year contract worth approximately $156 million. This offer would set a new franchise record for the largest contract in terms of total dollars, surpassing the previous record held by second baseman Jose Altuve's $151 million extension in 20181.

Bregman, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, has been a cornerstone of the Astros' success over the past decade. Last season, he posted a .260/.315/.453 batting line with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs, earning a Gold Glove Award for his defensive prowess at third base2.

Despite the substantial offer, it appears that Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, are seeking a deal closer to $200 million, which may price out the Astros. Team owner Jim Crane has expressed a preference for avoiding lengthy contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, citing the need to maintain financial flexibility and competitiveness2.

The Astros are keen to keep Bregman, who has been a key leader in the clubhouse and a consistent performer on the field. However, the decision will ultimately come down to financial negotiations and Bregman's willingness to accept the offer.
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As the offseason progresses, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if the Astros can secure Bregman's services for the long term or if he will explore other opportunities in free agency.

The Houston Astros are reportedly keeping their options open by staying in contact with free agent Willy Adames as a potential backup plan if they are unable to re-sign Alex Bregman. This information comes from a report by The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

Adames, primarily a shortstop, is open to transitioning to third base for the right team and contract, which makes him a viable option for the Astros. Jon Paul Morosi of MLB Network has also linked Adames to Houston, further fueling speculation about the team's interest.


Additionally, Rosenthal mentions that Jorge Polanco is another free agency fallback option for the Astros. Despite these considerations, the team remains committed to efforts to re-sign Bregman, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise for nine years.

​As the offseason progresses, the Astros will continue to evaluate their options to ensure they have a strong lineup for the upcoming season.

Willy Adames, a seasoned shortstop with a seven-year MLB career, has established himself as a plus defender over the past three years, according to outs above average. However, the 29-year-old is now open to playing third base "for the right deal and the right team," as reported by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi.

Teams Expressing Interest
This newfound flexibility has garnered interest from at least three teams: the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and Boston Red Sox.

Astros: According to Morosi, the Astros are considering Adames as a potential third baseman. This move would address a significant need for Houston if they are unable to re-sign Alex Bregman.

Phillies: Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that the Phillies' interest in Adames hinges on whether they can trade third baseman Alec Bohm as part of a package deal for White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet. Should such a trade materialize, the Phillies are expected to aggressively pursue either Adames or Bregman.

Red Sox: Nightengale also highlights that the Red Sox have "strong interest" in Adames. Currently, Boston has Trevor Story at shortstop and perennial All-Star Rafael Devers at third. However, the team has reportedly considered moving Devers to another position, which could create an opportunity for Adames at third base. Additionally, Adames could provide depth at shortstop, where Story has played only 163 games in three seasons with the Red Sox.

​Adames' willingness to switch positions enhances his value on the market, making him a versatile and attractive option for teams looking to bolster their infield defense and lineup flexibility.

In a recent appearance on ESPN's Baseball Tonight podcast, Houston Astros GM Dana Brown revealed that the club has been in discussions with free agent right-hander Justin Verlander regarding a potential reunion. "We've had conversations with his agent [ISE's Mark Pieper] just to try to feel him out. I don't know if there's been a lot of progress, but we're having conversations," Brown said.

Current Focus on Alex Bregman
Brown mentioned that the Astros' primary focus this offseason is re-signing Alex Bregman. This high-profile pursuit is consuming much of the team's attention, though Brown assured fans that the club is still exploring other potential moves, such as finding another third baseman.

Verlander's Health and Market Interest
Brown acknowledged that Verlander's health will be a key factor in determining his market value. "If [Verlander] continues to work and he's healthy, it's going to be interesting to see where he goes and how much he gets. But I'm sure there will be a bunch of teams calling the agent," Brown noted. His phrasing suggested a cautious approach from the Astros, perhaps indicating they are more interested observers of Verlander's market rather than active participants at this stage.

Verlander's 2024 Season and Career Outlook
Verlander, who turns 42 in February, expressed his desire to return in 2025 after an injury-marred 2024 season. Limited to 90 1/3 innings due to shoulder and neck injuries, Verlander posted a 5.48 ERA, the highest of his career apart from his debut season in 2005. Despite his struggles, Verlander's performance in 2023 was still solid, with a 3.22 ERA over 162 1/3 innings for the Mets and Astros.

Future Contributions and Risks
​Given his track record and previous success, there is a case to be made that Verlander still has more to contribute if healthy. He has defied the odds before, notably winning his third AL Cy Young Award in 2021 after returning from Tommy John surgery. However, the possibility remains that age and injuries may have finally caught up to him. While multiple teams are expected to show interest in Verlander, the Astros must weigh the risks of a potential decline against the benefits of a possible rebound.

​ The Houston Astros announced a 15-year naming rights deal with Daikin Comfort Technologies North America, Inc. on Monday, November 18th. Beginning January 1st, 2025, the ballpark will be officially known as Daikin Park.

​This new partnership marks a significant change for the downtown ballpark, which originally opened as Enron Field in 2000. Following Enron's bankruptcy, the stadium was briefly named Astros Field before becoming Minute Maid Park in 2002.

While the name will change, some familiar elements will remain. Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed that the iconic orange train that runs atop left field will still be a part of the ballpark experience.

"We'll show it on Opening Day," Crane said with a smile.

Daikin is a global leader in air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and air purification systems. The company's partnership with the Astros is expected to bring increased visibility and brand recognition to the region.
"We hope to make that name present and popular around town," Crane said. "We've had the honor and the privilege to spend a lot of time with the Daikin team at all levels and get more excited about the partnership in each and every engagement we have with them. They're truly a world-class organization."

MLB.com has a great article going into details around Marcus Semien and the birth of their 4th child.
Amazingly, Amelie's birth was perfectly timed.

Another great matchup for Game 2, after Dusty Baker announces Framber Valdez will start Game 2.

The Houston Astros announced a roster move - 
RHP Brandon Bielak recalled from AAA Sugar Land, RHP Seth Martinez optioned to AAA Sugar Land.

Bielak is 5-6 with a 3.74 ERA in 14 games so far this season.