The Astros have made no secret about their hope of retaining Alex Bregman. Common supervisor Dana Brown reiterated that optimism when talking with reporters on the GM Conferences this afternoon.
“Our greatest precedence is third base, surely. We’d like to have Alex Bregman again. It’s our greatest precedence,” Brown mentioned (hyperlinks by way of Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle and Chandler Rome of the Athletic). The GM added that the Astros have had “productive conversations” with the Boras Company, although he didn’t elaborate on the standing of talks or specify whether or not the crew has truly made a suggestion. ESPN’s Alden González wrote in early October that Houston was making ready to take action within the close to future.
The Astros don’t have many choices to step in at third base if Bregman walks. Re-signing him will virtually actually require the most important funding in franchise historical past, although, which casts actual doubt about whether or not they’ll have the ability to get something accomplished. Brown himself acknowledged just a few weeks in the past that the crew might should be “artistic” in managing payroll. The Astros haven’t gone past six years underneath proprietor Jim Crane. Bregman would in all probability require breaking that precedent. MLBTR predicted a seven-year, $182MM deal in rating him because the offseason’s #3 free agent.
Brown instructed the Astros have been open to going past six years in the precise circumstances, although it’s clear the group tends to shrink back from these contracts. “I don’t assume we’re going to be within the enterprise of giving a number of seven-year offers or a number of eight-year offers. But when there’s a chance to signal a man that we really feel goes to be good for six or seven years, I feel Jim would do it,” the GM mentioned.
Houston faces questions within the reverse nook infield spot. First base was a problem all season. The Astros pulled the plug on the ill-fated José Abreu deal just a few months into the yr, however Jon Singleton didn’t carry out nicely both. Brown acknowledged the crew wanted higher manufacturing at that spot. It’s unclear whether or not they’re prepared to return into free company for somebody like Christian Walker, Paul Goldschmidt or Anthony Rizzo as they continue to be on the hook for the ultimate season of the Abreu deal.
Brown pointed to Zach Dezenzo as a possible inner choice. The 24-year-old hit nicely in a small pattern in Triple-A. That didn’t translate in a good briefer MLB look. Dezenzo slumped to a .242/.277/.371 slash over his first 19 MLB contests. He’s a profession .295/.377/.499 hitter over components of three seasons within the minors. Dezenzo has expertise at each nook infield spots and will issue into the third base combine if Bregman walks, although he’s in all probability a greater defensive match at first.
Turning to the outfield, Brown indicated the Astros deliberate to tender an arbitration contract to Chas McCormick (X hyperlink with video from Ari Alexander of KPRC 2). The appropriate-handed hitter had a tough season, hitting .211/.271/.306 in 94 video games. McCormick had posted very sturdy numbers via his first three massive league campaigns, so it’s not a lot of a shock that Houston plans to carry him again on a comparatively modest wage. MLBTR contributor Matt Swartz initiatives him for a $3.3MM sum. Brown added that the Astros might search for a left-handed hitting outfielder to doubtlessly spell McCormick (and presumably Jake Meyers) in opposition to righty pitching.
