Altuve: ‘Not a chance.’ this is Bregman’s final game with Astros

3 teams Alex Bregman could prefer over the Astros in MLB free agency

The Houston Astros’ season ended two days into October, which is uncharted territory for this squad. Over the past ten years, no team has dominated the MLB postseason more than Houston, yet this feels like the end of an era. On Wednesday, the young Detroit Tigers finished the Wild Card sweep, putting forth a strong team effort to defeat the Astros’ star power.

Houston is currently at a turning point in its organisation. With big-money deals already given to Yordan Alvarez, Kyle Tucker, and Jose Altuve, among others, the front office will have to perform a tight balancing act in advance of Tucker’s free agency. There is one more year on the contract for the All-Star outfielder. That narrows the focus to 2026 and makes the 2024–25 offseason more difficult for a different Houston All-Star.

During his nine years in Astros uniforms, Alex Bregman has made it to the ALCS eight times. He is a genuine franchise legend and a postseason masher. Upon his retirement, he will always be identified as an Astro. That doesn’t guarantee he won’t trade teams this winter, however, as Houston might sacrifice Bregman to keep the books flexible.

Many have speculated that Matt Chapman’s six-year, $150 million deal with the San Francisco Giants portends Bregman’s future big payoff. In the postseason, he is more skilled, more youthful, and more seasoned. While Chapman is an excellent defender, Bregman is a far better scorer and a formidable defender at the hot corner.

Following their first early postseason exit in nearly a decade, the Astros are facing an uncertain future. With Bregman anticipating a bag, these are a few teams that may entice the two-time All-Star to move on to more promising opportunities.

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3. Seattle Mariners

Despite having perhaps the finest pitching staff in the American League, the Seattle Mariners just missed the postseason. Bregman will need to sign with a team that has the resources to pay him and the players to compete if he decides to leave his nine-year home. Bregman can close a huge hole in Seattle’s infield, and the team’s pitching staff is as talented as Houston’s. Everything is set up for a real World Series team.

This year, the Mariners were active in the trade market, acquiring players including Luke Raley, Justin Turner, and Randy Aronzarena. It’s time for them to venture into the realm of free agency. Bregman would provide Seattle a new point of contact and power in the middle of the lineup, taking the place of the always inconsistent Josh Rojas at third base.

Bregman ended in the 94th percentile for strikeouts and the 98th percentile for whiff rate, according to Baseball Savant, meaning this wasn’t even his finest season at the plate. With 26 home runs and a slash line of.260/.315/.453, he is among the league’s most disciplined hitters. There’s not much room for complaint if that’s your third baseman’s baseline.

Seattle have pitching depth and skill to outperform the majority of contenders. Now it’s about putting together an offence that can stay pace with the AL heavyweights. One would imagine the Mariners would be in a position to play in October baseball in a year with Bregman, Arozarena, and Julio Rodriguez.

2. Yankees of New York

The New York Yankees are the premier team in baseball; their rich history and distinctive “aura,” as the kids say, make wearing pinstripes an allure. Though every child has various passions and allegiances as they grow up, it’s difficult to find an MLB player who isn’t at least mildly excited by the idea of playing at Yankee Stadium under the lights.

In the American League, New York is currently ranked first despite having serious personnel problems. All season long, the Aaron Judge-Juan Soto combination has been unstoppable, and the Yankees’ trade deadline addition of Jazz Chisholm has paid off. But because there aren’t many better options at third base, Chisholm has been playing out of position. Since Gleyber Torres is a free agent this winter and he is more of a natural second baseman, the Bronx may be able to upgrade their infield.

Bregman might as well sign with a legitimate contender like the Yankees if he is going to go. The Yankees are the genuine deal as long as Judge and Soto remain in the lineup, but we’ll see what New York can truly do in October—that first-round purchase has proven difficult for teams to navigate in the past. Will Soto step down at this point? It’s unclear how much, but Bregman may be a valuable pawn in luring Soto back to the Yankees’ side of town.

Bregman would fill in that gap in the middle of the Yankees lineup even if Soto were to go. When healthy, Judge is a constant contender for MVP, and the New York pitching staff is superior than most people realise. Though labelling Houston “small” is a stretch, it’s a bit of a cliché to abandon your favourite “small” market fandom for the bright lights of New York. There’s a reason the Yankees are so well-known. Of course, this is a possibility.

1. Detroit Tigers

This idea was put up by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic a few weeks ago, and it is now even more significant. Join them if you can’t beat them. It’s a popular mantra, and it does occur in the sports industry, where victory and money frequently take precedence over petty ideas of pride or ego. Ask Kevin Durant, please.

Bregman recently witnessed first what this Tigers club can accomplish in the postseason. There isn’t a single playoff club that is simpler to support. When it comes to baseball, Detroit’s fan base is among the greatest. It also has that underdog mentality. The Tigers organisation is experiencing unprecedented optimism, and their first taste of postseason success may encourage a more aggressive approach from the front office.

Although this Detroit franchise has not historically been one to spend top bucks on high-priced free agents, Bregman fills a critical need at third base right now and is the reliable, everyday five-tool player the Tigers now need. As awkward as that situation was, it helps that AJ Hinch knows Bregman from their shared Houston days.

Aside from the cheating controversy, there is camaraderie, and the Tigers are winning. In MLB parlance, Bregman is getting older. This is most likely his final big pay check. It makes sense for him to attach himself to a young squad that can compete well for many years to come. Detroit possesses pitching depth, outstanding offensive matchup diversity, and an unteachable competitive attitude. Bregman’s perspective is endearing; what’s not to love?