Astros projected to land resurgent slugger to solve first base for 2025

The Houston Astros have overcome a dreadful 7-19 start to the season and have surged to the top spot in the American League West.

They'll face some big question marks this winter, with the status of Alex Bregman uncertain due to his impending free agency. But even if they end up losing Bregman, there are other areas of the roster they could upgrade, particularly first base.

Jose Abreu didn't pan out and neither has Jon Singleton. But when projecting their Opening Day lineup for 2025, Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report predicted that they would have a new face at first base.

"Finding an upgrade at first base will be a top priority this winter, and Josh Bell has done a nice job rebuilding his stock after he was traded to the D-Backs at the deadline," Reuter wrote. "The 32-year-old is hitting .272/.352/.430 for a 117 OPS+ with four home runs and 17 RBI in 131 plate appearances since the trade."

The veteran first baseman has bounced around in recent years. After a long stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has made stops with the Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, Cleveland Guardians, and Miami Marlins.

Bell has also put together a strong season, hitting .247 with 18 home runs, 66 RBI, and a .718 OPS. He would certainly be an upgrade at first base over what the Astros have had over the past two years.

They were forced to designated Abreu for assignment and haven't gotten much production out of Singleton, so it would make sense to give Bell a look. He's a switch hitter that brings power from both sides of the plate.

Bell also may not be terribly expensive, which could put him right in the Astros' preferred price range. We'll see if Houston targets him this winter.

More MLB: Astros may lose former World Series hero this coming offseason