In a surprising revelation at the general managers meetings, super-agent Scott Boras disclosed that his client, Houston Astros All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, recently underwent elbow surgery to remove a bone chip. The news came as a shock to many in the baseball world, as there had been no prior announcement from the Astros organization about Bregman’s condition or the procedure.
Bregman, who turned 30 earlier this year, is coming off another solid season in Houston, where he hit .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. Over his nine-year career, all spent with the Astros, the two-time All-Star has compiled a .272 batting average, 191 homers, and 663 RBIs, establishing himself as one of the premier third basemen in the game.
Free Agency Implications
The timing of Bregman’s surgery is particularly noteworthy, as he officially became a free agent last Thursday following the expiration of his five-year, $100 million contract with the Astros. Signed in March 2019, the deal covered the 2020-2024 seasons, making Bregman one of the most sought-after players on the open market this offseason.
While the news of his elbow surgery may give some teams pause, Boras assured those in attendance that Bregman is recovering well and will resume swinging a bat in just a few weeks. The super-agent also dropped another interesting tidbit, revealing that his client is open to shifting to second base if necessary.
“He’s had his procedure. He’s going to be back swinging here in a few weeks, so he’s all through that process,” Boras said of Bregman’s recovery and readiness for the upcoming season.
Potential Position Change?
Bregman’s willingness to move to second base is an intriguing development, as he has played exclusively at third base since the 2020 season. This flexibility could make him an even more attractive target for teams in need of middle infield help, as well as those looking to upgrade at the hot corner.
Throughout his career, Bregman has demonstrated a strong throwing arm, excellent instincts, and above-average range at third base, earning a reputation as one of the best defensive third basemen in the game. His ability to transition seamlessly to second base would undoubtedly add to his already impressive skill set and value on the free-agent market.
What’s Next for the Astros?
As the Astros navigate the offseason, they will need to decide whether to pursue a new deal with Bregman or look for alternatives at third base. The team has several internal options, including prospect David Hensley and utility man Aledmys Díaz, but neither possesses the same offensive prowess or defensive reliability as the two-time All-Star.
Should Bregman depart via free agency, the Astros may explore the trade market or look to sign another high-profile free agent to fill the void. With several key players, including Justin Verlander and Yuli Gurriel, also hitting free agency this offseason, the team will have to carefully allocate its resources to remain competitive in the tough American League West division.
The Road Ahead
As Alex Bregman continues his recovery from elbow surgery and prepares to test the free-agent waters, baseball fans and insiders alike will be closely monitoring his progress and speculating about his future. Will he remain with the Astros, the only team he has ever known, or will he take his talents elsewhere, potentially even shifting to second base in the process?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: with his impressive track record, all-around skill set, and now-confirmed versatility, Alex Bregman will be one of the most highly sought-after players in this year’s free-agent class. As the hot stove heats up and rumors swirl, keep an eye on this dynamic infielder and his potential impact on the 2025 season and beyond.
