Astros are optimistic about keeping Alex Bregman

The Houston Astros considered signing third baseman Alex Bregman a priority before the season. The same holds true now that he is a free agent.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Wednesday that the Astros are optimistic about keeping Bregman in town. General manager Dana Brown said that he feels the Astros "have a really good chance" to keep their third baseman. However, Heyman also noted that nothing is close.

Bregman overcame a slow start to the season to put together a solid showing before entering free agency. He posted a .260/.315/.453 batting line in his 634 plate appearances, hitting 26 homers and 30 doubles. Bregman also showcased his underrated defense, saving an American League best 12 runs at third.

The Astros may need Bregman as much as he needs them. Bregman will be virtually impossible to replace without making a trade; FanGraphs does not have another third baseman among their top 50 free agents unless one puts Ha-Seong Kim at the hot corner. 

Likewise, Bregman has had a great deal of success pulling the ball. He makes consistently hard contact (a career 13.4% strikeout rate) which allows him to take advantage of the Crawford Boxes and Minute Maid Park's 315-foot distance to left field. His fly ball heavy approach works in Houston.

There was some news regarding Bregman on Wednesday. He underwent a procedure on his right elbow to have a bone chip removed. He did miss time down the stretch due to elbow soreness but managed to avoid the injured list.

Chandler Rome of The Athletic relayed that Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, said the third baseman will be ready for spring training.

If the Astros have their way, Bregman will return to his familiar stomping grounds come 2025. While it is early in free agency, the Astros believe that Bregman will be coming back.