According to an MLB insider, if the Houston Astros lose Alex Bregman to free agency this offseason, they are expected to target a prominent slugger on the market to fill the void left by his bat.
The Astros are definitely a team to keep an eye on in the upcoming weeks and months. Despite a surprisingly slow start to the 2024 season, Houston made a strong recovery, ultimately securing another AL West title late in the year. They appeared poised for another deep playoff run.
However, their season came to an abrupt halt when they were swept by the Detroit Tigers in just two games of the Wild Card Series. Although they finished with 88 wins, their quick exit from the playoffs underscores the need for the Astros to make some adjustments if they aim to remain serious contenders for the World Series.
It’s crucial for the Astros to retain their key players, but there’s a strong possibility that Alex Bregman could be elsewhere in 2025. The long-time star is reportedly looking for a contract worth at least $ 200 million in free agency, a figure the team seems reluctant to meet. Meanwhile, rising star Kyle Tucker is nearing the end of his current contract.
Should the Astros lose one of their best players from the past decade this offseason, ESPN MLB insider David Schoenfield indicates they will likely seek to replace his bat 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 may not be a top-10 free agent, but losing Bregman would create a significant need for the Astros. They’ll have to find a way to replace that offensive production, and they lack strong candidates internally. The outfield is also thin beyond Tucker (excluding when Yordan Alvarez plays left field, but it might be time to transition him to a full-time DH),” Schoenfield noted.
“Santander could seamlessly slot into left field and bolster the middle of the Houston lineup.”
Anthony Santander Contract Projection: Five years, $ 120 million
The Baltimore Orioles slugger has established himself as one of the top power hitters in the American League in recent years, achieving a career-high of 44 home runs in 2024. At 30 years old, he’s in the prime of his career, making him an ideal candidate to fill the power void in the Astros’ lineup if Bregman departs.
Additionally, he is expected to secure a contract in the 100to 120 million range this offseason—an amount the Astros are likely ready to invest this winter.
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