The Houston Astros may have to re-sign Alex Bregman this offseason due to concerns about their ability to keep Kyle Tucker after this season, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Bregman, a nine-year Astros veteran, is a two-time World Series champion and All-Star, and he earned a Gold Glove in 2024. As the team faces the prospect of Tucker hitting free agency next year and commanding a $300 million-plus deal, Bregman could become a lifetime Astro alongside Jose Altuve. If the Astros don’t retain him, Bregman could be a strong fit for teams like Detroit, where he could reunite with former manager A.J. Hinch, or Toronto if they miss out on Juan Soto.
Astros general manager Dana Brown expressed confidence in bringing Bregman back for 2025, calling it the team’s top priority. He emphasized that while the team isn’t looking to give out multiple long-term contracts, they are open to a deal that would keep Bregman for six or seven years, if it makes sense.
Astros being selective in free agency this offseason
With an aging roster and expiring contracts looming, the Houston Astros are facing a delicate balancing act and need to be strategic in their decisions, avoiding getting caught in a bidding war.
One possible move the Astros are considering is parting ways with bullpen arm Ryan Pressly, who will be a free agent after next season. According to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome, the team has discussed trading the setup man as part of an effort to reduce costs and avoid surpassing the luxury tax threshold. Currently, the Astros are estimated to be around $10 million below the first luxury tax threshold, factoring in their projected arbitration salaries.
General manager Dana Brown is carefully weighing the team’s long-term priorities, noting that while trading a major-league player for multiple pieces that can address team needs could be appealing, any move must strengthen the team rather than weaken it.
In addition to potential changes in the bullpen, there are reports that the Astros may lose starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi to free agency, with the New York Post’s Jon Heyman noting that Kikuchi is expected to draw significant interest from other teams.
The Astros’ failure to reach the American League Championship Series in 2024 marked their first such absence since 2016, adding urgency to these decisions.
