Following a dismal season, the Houston Astros are widely anticipated to lose Alex Bregman to free agency. Houston hasn’t shied away from big contracts in the past, but after re-signing Jose Altuve, dropping $95 million on Josh Hader’s doorway, and planning what will undoubtedly be a massive extension offer for Kyle Tucker next winter, it’s hard to blame the Astros for letting Bregman walk.
Okay, this is a lie. The Astros would be unable to forget it. Bregman is a true franchise legend and two-time World Series winner. Allowing him to walk would be similar to Freddie Freeman joining the Dodgers. Braves supporters were not pleased. Bregman may return, as he teases supporters on social media, but the signs point to him moving to a new place.
The veteran is certain to be a prized commodity. He’s a true five-tool player, great with his glove in the hot corner and explosive in the batter’s box. This wasn’t Bregman’s best individual season, but he still managed.260/.315/.453, with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. Following Matt Chapman’s massive $151 million extension in San Francisco, the atmosphere is set for a desperate front office to splash out on Bregman.
Whether it’s an established contender or an emerging dark horse, clubs will work hard to get Bregman out of Houston. Here are a few alternate ideas the Astros should have prepared in case everything goes wrong.
3 third base options if Alex Bregman leaves in free agency
 3. Shay Whitcomb has been raking in the Astros farm system
Houston will have to evaluate other choices as well, but if the motivation for letting Bregman go is money, the Astros are unlikely to find an expensive replacement. The simplest option would be to replace from within, probably by calling up minor-league standout Shay Whitcomb.
Whitcomb played in 20 games and 46 plate appearances for the major league club this season, batting.220 with nine hits (three doubles) and five RBIs. He’s been even more impressive in Triple-A Sugar Land, where he hit 25 home runs in 108 games. Whitcomb has had consistent development at lower levels and might provide Houston with a clean and straightforward in-house solution.
He was selected Houston’s minor league player of the year by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.
“Whitcomb opened eyes with a 35-homer, 102-RBI season in 2023, but he hit only.240/.301/.470 with a 30.2 percent strikeout rate.” He continued to demonstrate remarkable power, with 19 doubles, 25 home runs, and 91 RBI in 108 Triple-A games, while also lowering his strikeout rate to a much more manageable 19.8 percent. If Alex Bregman leaves in free agency, he will be a candidate to replace him at third base in 2025.
Whitcomb has the potential to shine in his first extensive MLB action, as his strikeout rate is heading in the right direction and his swing offers significant power. This is perhaps the most “likely” Bregman replacement, given Whitcomb has expertise defending all around the field.
2. Yoan Moncada could be an intriguing buy-low candidate for the Astros
Yoan Moncada is set to enter free agency this winter. The Chicago White Sox have a $25 million club option with a $5 million buyout, effectively ending the 29-year-old’s time on the South Side of Chicago. To be honest, it’s a blessing since Moncada can outperform anything the White Sox come up with in 2025.
Moncada has had a difficult few years, as he has not been able to put together a comprehensive health campaign since before the outbreak. At 29 years old, there is still reason to believe he can recover. Moncada played only 12 games this season, but he’s preparing for winter baseball in his native Cuba, with the apparent objective of getting back on track for another MLB season in 2025.
Moncada, a previous top prospect, is undeniably talented. Moncada dominated the advanced metrics as a batter in his most recent full-season, which took place in 2019. He has a tight, powerful swing on the ball, and when he isn’t striking out, he’s likely to rocket an extra-base shot into the outfield.
There is obviously a need for insurance and contingency plans with Moncada — the aforementioned Whitcomb can serve that purpose — but as a one-year rental with extremely minimal risk and significant upside, Moncada may be worth a look for the Astros. Sometimes all these gifted but unsuccessful players need is a change of location and a new viewpoint.
1. Astros can keep tabs on Vladimir Guerrero Jr. if the Blue Jays fall apart
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has made it obvious that he wants to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays indefinitely, but he is entering the final year of his contract without an extension. The Blue Jays are anticipated to go big-game hunting this offseason, including a possible attempt at Bregman, but we all know it will end in disaster.
If Toronto cannot put together a better squad around Guerrero, there is little reason to believe he is adamant about signing an extension. When he hits the open market in 2025, he will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the MLB – a true offensive superstar with the versatility to defend either corner infield position and a long runway to success at the age of 25.
It would be silly of the Astros not to pay notice. Houston also needs help at first base, so Guerrero is worth keeping an eye on, even if the Astros sign another third baseman. Whitcomb is expected to reach the majors someday, so we may see a dual effort to replace Bregman’s lost offense. If Toronto floats Guerrero at the trade deadline next season, Whitcomb might become a valuable negotiating chip to acquire Guerrero. There are levels to this.
Yes, Houston appears hesitant to award another large contract before Kyle Tucker receives his, but Guerrero is unique enough (and affordable enough until his next deal) to justify the investment. You have to make difficult decisions on occasion in order to develop the team. If Houston is forced to choose between Bregman and Guerrero, all sentiment is lost, and Guerrero joins the Astros as quickly as feasible.
