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Second baseman Jose Altuve has effectively committed himself to the Houston Astros for the remainder of his career. Now he wants to see to it that one of his star teammates is similarly taken care of.
Altuve publicly urged the Astros to work out a new contract with Alex Bregman ahead of the third baseman’s impending free agency. The star second baseman made it clear that he thinks Bregman will stay as long as the organization holds up its end of the bargain.
“I don’t see any chances of him leaving,” Altuve said this week, via Chandler Rome of The Athletic. “That might be just me. I really think that, at the end of the season, our front office people, GM and ownership (are) going to get a deal done for him. I don’t think — I’m sure — that we a re not only a better team with him, but we are a better organization with him. We really need to make it happen.”
There is no doubt that the 30-year-old Bregman is a core piece of the Astros organization. Though his offensive numbers are down slightly in 2024, he remains a solid hitter who will contribute 20 home runs while playing solid defense at third base. He is also a team leader, having debuted in 2016 and remained with the team throughout all its successes and controversy during that time period. He and Altuve are the only two position players remaining from the team’s 2017 World Series roster.
The size of the contract Bregman demands will likely be the key question. The Astros have a history of being reluctant to offer players more than five years on any deal, a stance which may have contributed to them losing Carlos Correa a couple years ago. Bregman is also a Scott Boras client and Boras already sounds eager to drive up his client's value on the open market this offseason.
Despite that, Altuve’s words undoubtedly carry weight within the organization. Only time will tell if they heed his advice.
More must-reads:
- Astros GM makes stance on two-time All-Star very clear
- Astros lose another outfielder to a broken bone
- The '2017 Houston Astros World Series roster' quiz
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Mets manager confirms veteran pitcher done for the season due to 'pretty significant' injury
The New York Mets announced that Frankie Montas has been placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 22) due to a UCL-related injury in his right elbow. Right-hander Huascar Brazoban has been called up from Triple-A to take Montas’ spot on the active roster. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Montas’ UCL injury is “pretty significant,” via Mike Puma of the New York Post. Mendoza went on to confirm that Montas will not pitch again in 2025. It’s the latest setback in what was been a brutal inaugural season for Montas in Queens. The right-hander signed a $34M guarantee with the Mets during the winter but has produced just 38 2/3 innings of work for the team so far. A lat strain suffered at the outset of Spring Training left Montas to open the season on the injured list and he did not make his season debut until June 24. After throwing five scoreless innings in his first start of the year, Montas pitched to a ghastly 7.85 ERA over his next six starts with an 18.2% strikeout rate and a whopping seven home runs allowed. Those brutal results led the Mets to move Montas to the bullpen earlier this month, where he’s surrendered four runs (two earned) on four walks and six hits (including a home run) while striking out just three. Altogether, Montas has posted a 6.28 ERA and a 5.31 FIP during his time with the Mets with an 18.0% strikeout rate and a 7.9% walk rate. It’s a deeply disappointing outcome, and now it’s an open question when Montas will next be available to pitch. The Mets have made no announcements about the right-hander’s timeline for return, nor offered any indications about the severity of the injury. Of course, many fans will wonder about the possibility of Tommy John surgery, which is often required to repair a pitcher’s UCL once damaged. Such a procedure (or even a less invasive internal brace procedure) would likely cost Montas not only the remainder of this year but also the entire 2026 season. With that being said, some UCL injuries are possible to address via rehab. That’s a path that Braves hurler Grant Holmes opted to take earlier this month as he deals with a partial UCL tear, though even Holmes’s rehab process has brought his 2025 campaign to an abrupt end. While the details of Montas’ prognosis and timeline for return won’t be clear until the Mets make an announcement offering more information, the club will be without the right-hander for at least the immediate future. Given the fact that Montas’ performance was poor enough that he was bumped from the rotation earlier this month, perhaps that’s not too massive of a blow. Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, David Peterson and Clay Holmes remain in the club’s rotation and have recently been joined by top prospect Nolan McLean. Brandon Waddell and Justin Hagenman remain in the minors already on the 40-man roster as potential depth options behind that group, and well-regarded prospect Brandon Sproat has a 4.24 ERA in 24 starts at Triple-A this year. Replacing Montas on the roster is Brazoban, who began his career in the majors with Miami back in 2022 but has served as an up-and-down relief arm for the Mets this year. It’s a role he’s performed quite well in, with a 3.83 ERA and 4.14 FIP across 51 2/3 innings of work spread between 3 starts and 41 relief outings. Brazoban figures to take up Montas' mantle as the club’s long reliever going forward.
Commanders flaw exposed in blowout preseason loss to Ravens
The Washington Commanders have a potentially significant problem on special teams. During Saturday's 30-3 preseason Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, kicker Matt Gay missed a 53-yard field goal wide left at the end of Washington's first offensive possession. Gay finished the preseason 3-of-5 on field goal attempts. He also missed a 49-yarder wide left in preseason Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Gay's struggles continue the chaotic journey for the Commanders at kicker. Last season's Week 1 starter, Cade York, went 0-of-2 in the opener and was promptly released. His replacement, Austin Seibert, was in the midst of a fantastic season through Week 9, going 25-of-27 on field goals and 22-of-22 on extra points before missing two weeks with a hip injury. He was later placed on injured reserve after missing three kicks in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys, including a would-be tying extra point following a wild 86-yard touchdown with under a minute remaining. Zane Gonzalez and Greg Joseph combined to go 7-of-10 on field goals the rest of the season, including each missing a 50-yard attempt. Overall, Commanders kickers struggled from long distance, with the four combining to go 2-of-8 on attempts of 50 yards or more. Only the Philadelphia Eagles had a worse percentage (14.3%) on attempts of at least 50 yards, per Pro Football Reference data. Washington signed Gay to a one-year, $4.25M fully guaranteed contract in late April following the 2025 NFL Draft. Per CBS Sports, it's the largest guaranteed contract for a kicker on a one-year deal in NFL history. Last season while with the Indianapolis Colts, Gay was 3-of-9 on 50-yard field goals. The Commanders have the talent on offense to be one of the league's top scoring units, so they might not need to convert many tries from over 50 yards. Still, having a kicker who can reliably hit from that distance is an undeniable asset, particularly late in close games or on possessions that stall after crossing midfield. Washington largely has a roster capable of contending for a Super Bowl. But following its final tune-up before the regular season, kicking is a notable flaw.
4 winners & 2 losers from Buffalo Bills' preseason finale win over Buccaneers
Wins and losses in the preseason don't matter, but the Buffalo Bills had to be thrilled to get a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their 38-0 loss to the Chicago Bears the week before. Buffalo's opening drive covered 80 yards on 12 plays, with running back Frank Gore Jr. scoring a touchdown from one yard out. That set the tone as they won 23-19, giving themselves confidence heading into the regular season. With this game in the books, let's look at who stood out as both winners and losers in the preseason finale. Winner: Deone Walker, DT Fourth-round pick Deone Walker has been a standout throughout the preseason, something that continued on Saturday night. Walker was consistently pushing the pocket, even recording a half-sack when he and A.J. Epenesa brought down Kyle Trask in the backfield. The 6-foot-7, 331-pound Walker looks the part of a run-stuffing nose tackle, but his ability to rush the passer could make him a star. Winner: Zach Davidson, TE Punter Brad Robbins was under the weather on Saturday, so he missed the preseason finale. With him out, the Bills turned to tight end Zach Davidson as their emergency punter. His first punt was late in the first quarter, and he looked like a natural, casually booting it 62 yards. His second was impressive as well, going 42 yards. Davidson also had some positive moments on offense. He caught both passes thrown his way, going for 27 yards with a long of 20. Loser: Dane Jackson, CB Saturday wasn't the best showing for Dane Jackson, but that's not the reason he makes this list in Week 3. Instead, it's the fact that he was on the field late in the third quarter. Jackson started his career in Buffalo, spending four years with the franchise. He returned this offseason after playing for the Carolina Panthers in 2024 and was expected to have a key role following injuries suffered by Maxwell Hairston and Tre'Davious White. Seeing him on the field so far into the finale doesn't bode well for his chances of making the team. Winner: Tyrell Shavers, WR Tyrell Shavers has to make the 53-man roster. The third-year pro has been making one highlight-reel play after another this offseason, but saved his best for the finale. During the second quarter, Shavers hauled in a one-handed touchdown from 11 yards out, giving Buffalo a 14-3 lead. He finished with two receptions for 24 yards, giving him six receptions for 123 yards in three preseason games. Loser: Elijah Moore, WR Elijah Moore is going to have a tough time making the roster thanks to Shavers. While the former undrafted free agent turned heads with his touchdown catch, Moore finished with eight yards on three receptions. Moore has been used primarily on screen passes and was able to turn just one into a decent gain on Saturday. That nine-yard gain showed why he had a shot at making the roster, but his inability to make an impact downfield could be his undoing. Winner: Shane Buechele, QB Buffalo gave the keys to Shane Buechele on Saturday and he drove the offense to success all night. The former Kansas City Chiefs backup made a case for moving up the depth chart with a strong performance. He made quick and decisive throws, completing 25-of-30 passes for 278 yards with one touchdown. Buechele was easily the biggest winner for Buffalo, doing enough to ask whether or not he should be in the QB2 conversation. More Buffalo Bills News: Bills' GM offers cautiously worded Tre'Davious White injury update Bills 'lucky to have' ex-Panthers' first-round linebacker trying to revive career 3 Bills' stars from 'Hard Knocks' Episode 3 including new guy who was cut Wednesday Bills' QB Josh Allen and familiar free-agent WR 'haven't stopped being in contact' Former Bills' All-Pro jestfully kicks Dolphins while they're down
CFB Week 0 winners, losers: Fourth-down decisions loom large in ranked Big 12 showdown
Pat McAfee has strong reaction to Hall of Fame honor
Former punter Pat McAfee is receiving an honor that is rare for a special teams member. On Friday, West Virginia announced that McAfee was one of six players entering the program's Hall of Fame for the 2025 class. McAfee is thankful for the recognition from his former school. He used some strong language to react to WVU's reveal. "It was nice to have an opportunity to think back and reminisce about a great era of my life," McAfee posted on X. "I am so thankful for the recognition. This is normally something I would try and f------ hate.. I’d say that it’s b------- and they feel obligated to do this but; this call made my soul feel good. Thanks for the opportunity to be a Mountaineer @RealCoachRod.. it was an honor." McAfee was a highly productive specialist at West Virginia, earning First-team All-American honors in 2008. During his time with the Mountaineers, he set the school record for most games played (51), scoring (384) and extra points made (210). He held the Big East record for most extra points made, when he made 210 of 212 attempts. McAfee's success at West Virginia propelled the Indianapolis Colts to select him in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He earned All-Pro honors in 2014 and made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2016. He has the highest career net average in punting years with 41.1. McAfee should be proud of his achievements during his days in college and the legacy he is building with the program. The ESPN pundit even used his influence to speak with WVU athletic director Wren Baker to help with the coaching search that ultimately brought back Rich Rodriguez to the school.
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