The Houston Astros have a troublesome determination arising relating to third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman signed a long-term extension with the Astros early in his profession, inking a six-year contract value $100 million in the course of the 2019 season. One other extension could solely be a dream – Jon Heyman of the New York Submit reported in April that Bregman and the Astros weren’t shut on a possible deal. Chandler Rome of The Athletic had beforehand reported that Bregman would enable Scott Boras to barter in the course of the season if there was any curiosity however nothing has occurred.
In the meantime, Bregman just isn’t performing to his ordinary requirements. He has produced a .236/.301/.400 batting line in his 276 plate appearances, hitting 9 homers and 12 doubles. Nevertheless, he has caught hearth recently, placing collectively a 13-game hitting streak whereas posting a .353/.411/.726 batting line with 5 homers over 56 plate appearances. Bregman may discover himself on the commerce block given the Astros’ struggles this season and his impending free company. Let’s take a look at three attainable touchdown spots for the Astros third baseman.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs want one other impression bat of their lineup as they hover round .500. As a staff, the Cubs batting common and slugging share rank 14th and tenth respectively within the Nationwide League. Christopher Morel and Nick Madrigal have mixed for a .207/.299/.361 batting line and a -0.4 fWAR manning the recent nook for the Cubs.
Bregman would change the complexion of the lineup. Matching him with Cody Bellinger would give the Cubs a harmful duo in the midst of the lineup from reverse sides of the plate. He would additionally add one other participant with in depth postseason expertise who understands what it takes to win down the stretch. The query is whether or not or not the Cubs can stay in rivalry. If that’s the case, Bregman may find yourself in Chicago on the deadline.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves would seem like an odd match for Alex Bregman. Austin Riley is ready at third – a two-time All-Star who has completed within the high seven of the NL MVP vote for every of the final three years. Nevertheless, Riley has not carried out to expectations, posting a .225/.295/.340 batting line with three homers and 10 doubles in his 220 plate appearances coming into Wednesday.
Riley may assist in one other space. Ronald Acuna Jr. was misplaced for the season with a torn ACL, leaving a gaping gap within the outfield. Riley has 62 video games of expertise in left and will assist solidify the Braves outfield. Including Bregman to man third would supply the pliability wanted to place Riley again on the grass. He would additionally add one other impression bat to a lineup that ranks tenth within the Nationwide League in runs scored.
New York Yankees
New York Yankees followers hate Alex Bregman as a result of his half on the 2017 AstroGate World Collection profitable staff. A commerce to the Bronx may change that narrative.
The Yankees are anticipated to be a participant for Bregman in free company, with Joel Sherman of the New York Instances envisioning a battle between the 2 New York groups for his companies. Bregman may assist a lineup reliant on outfielders Aaron Choose and Juan Soto for many of its offense. Yankees third basemen have struggled all through the season, posting a mixed .244/.299/.333 batting line with simply six homers. Not solely may Bregman clear up the Yankees’ issues at third, however these few months may assist recruit him for an extended keep.
