DONE DEAL: Latest trade update as spell doom for Astros’ reunite Alex Bregman

The Houston Astros might look quite different next season in terms of star players. Two-time All-Star and World Series champion Alex Bregman, their standout third baseman, is entering free agency for the first time. As one of the top players available at his position, Bregman is expected to attract a substantial contract.

Astros general manager Dana Brown has made third base his top priority this offseason, expressing “optimism” in discussions with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras. However, it’s not guaranteed that Bregman will re-sign with Houston, as other teams are likely to show strong interest.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the Philadelphia Phillies have made All-Star third baseman Alec Bohm available for trade, following a disappointing second half of the season and their NLDS loss to the New York Mets. This could pave the way for the Phillies to make a move for Bregman.

Phillies buzz around Alex Bregman getting louder

Buster Olney of ESPN reported that a rival evaluator made a “most interesting prediction” of the Phillies landing Alex Bregman. Olney noted that Bregman’s swing would likely perform well at Citizens Bank Park, and his strong defense—evident in his recent Gold Glove win—and extensive playoff experience would make him an attractive addition.

Adding Bregman to a lineup that already includes Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber would certainly bolster the Phillies on paper.

This past season, Bregman posted a .260 batting average, a .315 on-base percentage, and a .453 slugging percentage, with 26 home runs, 75 RBI, 79 runs, and 151 hits over 581 at-bats in 143 games, accumulating a 4.1 WAR.

If the Astros miss out on re-signing Bregman, Alec Bohm could be an intriguing replacement. Despite a challenging second half, Bohm earned his first All-Star selection and offers decent third base production, with limited alternatives on the free-agent market after Bregman.

In 143 games, Bohm hit .280 with a .332 on-base percentage and a .448 slugging percentage, collecting 15 home runs, 97 RBI, 62 runs, and 155 hits over 554 at-bats, finishing with a 3.0 WAR.

There’s certainly buzz around Bregman joining the Phillies, but if the Astros miss out, acquiring Bohm could be a compelling move, particularly as teams begin making roster changes throughout the offseason.