Astros' X-factor in playoff push is surging at the right time

This surge couldn’t have occurred at a better time for Bregman, who struggled mightily at the start of 2024. In March and April, he posted a dismal .577 OPS with just one homer, leading to concerns about his future productivity. 

As the season has progressed, so has Bregman’s performance. He now boasts a solid .261/.318/.445 slash line, numbers that closely align with his career averages.

No, Bregman isn’t the MVP runner-up who crushed opposing pitchers with a 1.015 OPS in 2019, but he’s far from washed up. 

His August performance has reignited his reputation as a disciplined hitter with advanced metrics to back it up. According to Baseball Savant, Bregman ranks in the top percentiles for chase (83rd), whiff (98th), and strikeout percentages (95th). 

On defense, he’s still a force, with Baseball Savant ranking him in the 90th percentile for range and an impressive +4 in run value (82nd percentile). Run value is the run impact of an event based on the runners on base, outs, ball and strike count.

As the offseason approaches, Bregman’s resurgence positions him as one of the best bats and everyday players on the free-agent market. Though he’ll be 31 just three days after Opening Day in 2025, his postseason pedigree, great defense and ability to make solid contact should attract teams across the league, especially in an era where batting averages are historically low.

But before that, there’s business to be done in Houston. With the Astros eyeing another deep playoff run, Bregman can make even more big moments on the national stage, perhaps leading to a third World Series ring — and a lucrative payday to follow.