Astros could retain fan-favorite slugger after strong 2024 season

The Houston Astros have been an interesting story this season.

After seven straight appearances in the ALCS, the Astros got off to a dreadful 7-19 start but have picked up the pieces and surged right back into postseason contention.

They currently are at the top of the American League West with a record of 68-58 and hold a five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners.

Houston will face a little uncertainty in the offseason, when star third baseman Alex Bregman likely hits the open market, but Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes the team could still retain him.

"Bregman's breakout seasons in 2018-19 saw him average 36 home runs, 108 RBI, and a .970 OPS, and he finished in the top five of AL MVP voting in both years," Feinsand wrote. "He hasn't reached those levels since then, though he remains one of the more productive third baseman in baseball."

Houston does have a lot of money committed to players such as Josh Hader and Jose Altuve. Altuve received a five-year extension in the offseason and Hader was given a five-year contract in free agency, which has brought uncertainty to their situation with Bregman.

The fact that Houston rarely dishes out big free agent contracts also creates some uncertainty.

Bregman has played his entire career with the Astros, and it would certainly be odd to see him wearing another uniform. But Houston would be wise to keep him around and keep the core that won the 2017 and 2022 World Series titles together.

Bregman is one of the last holdovers from their first title and has been a fan favorite for several years. After getting off to a bad start this year, he has turned things around. The 30-year-old is hitting .261 with 20 home runs, 60 RBI, and a .768 OPS on the season.

It will be interesting to see how Bregman's market develops. He should be one of the most sought-after third basemen, and the Astros will likely be in the mix to sign him.

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