According to one MLB insider, if the Houston Astros lose Alex Bregman to free agency this offseason, they are likely to seek a replacement for his bat by targeting what could be the top slugger available on the market.
The Astros are a team to watch in the coming weeks and months. Despite a surprisingly slow start to the 2024 season, Houston made a strong comeback, clinching another AL West title late in the year. It appeared they were set for another deep playoff run.
However, their season ended abruptly when they were eliminated in just two games of the Wild Card Series by the Detroit Tigers. Despite finishing with 88 wins, their quick exit from the MLB playoffs highlights the need for the Astros to make changes if they want to return to being a legitimate World Series contender.
However, the Astros must retain their top players, and there’s a real possibility that Alex Bregman could be playing elsewhere in 2025. The longtime team star is reportedly seeking a contract worth at least $200 million in free agency, a figure the organization seems hesitant to meet. Additionally, young star Kyle Tucker is approaching the end of his current deal.
If Houston loses one of their best players of the past decade this offseason, ESPN MLB insider David Schoenfield suggests they will look to replace his bat in the lineup with a specific slugger from free agency.
- Anthony Santander stats (2024): .235 AVG, .308 OBP, .506 SLG, .814 OPS, 44 HR, 102 RBI, 91 R
Houston Astros predicted to replace Alex Bregman with Anthony Santander this offseason
“[Anthony] Santander isn’t a top-10 free agent but this would be a ripple effect of losing Bregman. The Astros will need to replace that offense and don’t have any strong internal candidates, plus the outfield is thin beyond Tucker (aside from when Yordan Alvarez plays left field, but it’s time to just make him the full-time DH),” Schoenfield wrote.
“Santander would fit in nicely in left and the middle of the Houston lineup.”
- Anthony Santander contract (Projection): Five years, $120 million
The Baltimore Orioles slugger has emerged as one of the top power hitters in the AL in recent years. He reached a career-high in 2024, hitting 44 home runs for the Orioles. At 30 years old, he is in the prime of his career and would be a perfect fit to fill the power gap in the Houston Astros lineup if they lose Bregman.
Moreover, he is expected to receive a contract in the $100 to $120 million range this offseason, a figure that the Astros are much more willing to commit to this winter.
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