Unexpected news could come out of Houston this off-season, as the Astros may be unwilling to extend one of their star players to a long-term deal. Two-time All-Star Alex Bregman may be traded with just one year remaining on his current deal. Jim Duquette of MLB Network said that, “There is a chance Alex Bregman may not be playing in Houston this year.” He signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension back in 2019. Bregman has been the starting third baseman for the Astros since the 2017 campaign.
Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
The organization was in a very similar situation when shortstop Carlos Correa hit free agency following the 2021 season. Houston refused to make him one of the highest-paid players at his position, and in doing so, he elected to sign with the Minnesota Twins. If the Astros do not want to pay over $30 million a year, it may be in their best interest to trade Bregman before he leaves for nothing. He is set to make $28.5 million in 2024.
Bregman has been one of the best third basemen in all of baseball for the last six seasons. Injuries limited him to 91 games in 2021, but besides that, he has been in the lineup each and every day. Excluding the 60-game season in 2020, Bregman has played in 155 games or more in five of the last six seasons. The 29-year-old slashed .262/.363/.441 with 25 home runs, 98 runs batted in and 92 walks in 724 plate appearances last season.
