The Houston Astros have missed out on the ALCS for the first time since 2016, as they were swept by the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card Series, putting an end to their remarkable postseason streak. Now, the team faces a crucial offseason with key decisions ahead. The question is: how will Alex Bregman, Yusei Kikuchi, and Pete Alonso figure into their offseason plans?
Over the past decade, the Astros’ roster has seen significant changes, even during their sustained success. While core players like Jose Altuve and Bregman remain with the team, notable stars such as Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Gerrit Cole have moved on. The Astros’ front office has consistently shown a willingness to make bold moves when necessary, and this offseason should be no different as they look to remain competitive.
Alex Bregman must stick around
The Houston Astros have consistently made strategic moves aimed at bolstering their team for another championship run, a strategy that paid off with their World Series victory in 2022, even without key players like Carlos Correa, George Springer, or Gerrit Cole. As the Astros look to maintain their competitive edge, one thing is clear: they need strong veteran leadership to continue contending. This is where retaining third baseman Alex Bregman comes into play. Bregman has been a cornerstone of the Astros’ success, and keeping him should be a priority.
While re-signing Bregman will come with a hefty price tag, it’s a necessary investment. For comparison, Matt Chapman, a fellow third baseman, recently inked a six-year, $151 million deal. Bregman, however, boasts a superior offensive record across multiple categories such as home runs, RBIs, OPS, and batting average. Though Chapman is the better defender, with four Gold Gloves to his name, Bregman’s offensive prowess makes him invaluable to the Astros’ lineup.
Bregman, along with Jose Altuve, has been instrumental in keeping the Astros’ championship window open. With uncertainties at first base and within the starting rotation, it would be unwise to create another area of concern by letting Bregman leave. The Astros have the chance to make him a career player, and they should be willing to invest significantly in him during the upcoming offseason.
Another player the Astros should keep their eye on is Yusei Kikuchi. Acquired during the trade deadline, Kikuchi was originally expected to be a solid depth starter. However, he exceeded expectations, becoming a key player in the rotation and losing just one regular season game in Houston. Given the uncertainty surrounding Justin Verlander’s future, Kikuchi could be the veteran presence the Astros need to stabilize their rotation moving forward. Verlander, after a short stint with the Mets, returned to Houston but did not contribute much toward the end of the season. Should Verlander’s career wind down, Kikuchi could step in as a reliable option for 2025 and beyond.
Re-signing Kikuchi would also be practical from a financial standpoint. While he may not be the top pitcher in the free agent market, he has proven to be a good fit in Houston and would come at a more reasonable price compared to other options. This would give the Astros flexibility in addressing other needs on their roster.
Another potential move for the Astros could involve New York Mets’ first baseman Pete Alonso. Known for his power-hitting, Alonso has been a critical player for the Mets, leading them to the verge of the National League Championship Series. As Alonso becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, his agent, Scott Boras, will likely seek a lucrative deal. The Astros, who have struggled to find consistency at first base, should consider entering the bidding war for Alonso.
However, it’s likely that the Mets will make a strong effort to keep Alonso, especially if they miss out on signing Juan Soto. If the Astros face a choice between retaining Bregman or signing Alonso, Bregman’s deep connection with the team and fanbase may tip the scales in his favor. But if Bregman departs, the Astros should be prepared to make a significant offer for Alonso to keep their championship hopes alive.
