The Houston Astros have dramatically reversed their season’s fortunes.
There was a time when it looked like the Astros might be major sellers before the trade deadline, with speculation even suggesting that superstar third baseman Alex Bregman could be on the move. Bregman, a key player for the Astros over the past nine years, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, leading to speculation that his time in Houston might be ending.
Although the Astros chose to keep Bregman before the trade deadline, changes could still be on the horizon this summer. If Bregman does leave, the team will need to find a replacement for the third base position. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has proposed that Matt Chapman, a four-time Gold Glove Award winner, could be an ideal candidate in free agency.
Feinsand noted, “Chapman struggled to secure a favorable deal last offseason before agreeing to a $54 million contract with the Giants, which includes opt-out clauses after both 2024 and 2025. Despite a slow start to the season—hitting .206 with five home runs and a .599 OPS through his first 44 games—Chapman has excelled in his last 81 games, posting an .877 OPS with 15 home runs while maintaining his strong defensive performance at third base. Unless he suffers an injury or has a poor finish to the season, Chapman is expected to opt out and explore the market again this winter. A return to San Francisco with a new deal is also possible. Potential suitors include the Astros, Giants, and Mariners.”
Chapman has been impressive for the Giants this season, boasting a .247/.337/.446 slash line with 20 home runs and 62 RBIs in 125 games, alongside his excellent defense.
If Bregman departs, the Astros might be in the mix for Chapman’s services.
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