Maybe. He's a businessman and $156M is what he considered a fair contract, and he could say no. However, he's kept us competitive this long and bringing Alex back can improve our chances with the other moves we've made. But it is hard to argue with his approach.
I agree, and that's why I think Crane feels he's doing Bregs a solid with that offer. If he doesn't take it then he'll find a replacement somewhere else.
Been looking at the available free agents OF and 3B and so far the only name that seems very cheap and serviceable is Tommy Pham. He can get on base, steal, has some pop and his post season #s are great. A few million could get it done. Playing RF last year he hit .284/.353 in 169 ABs Ben Gamel hits lefties better and wouldn't mind bringing him back but he seems injury prone and not much playoff experience. Either way, better option than Heyward.
Heyward is better option than either of them. Gamel is AAAA guy, even if he was good in a small sample with Astros last year. Pham is a world class prick and coming off poorcseason, and doesn't hit lefty so doesn't bring anything they don't already have. Heyward has a ton of miles on his legs, but a gold glove RF who can play CF a couple of times per month. Perfect for this team as long as he doesn't play much vs LHP or 100 games total.
Just a thought.... George Springer has about 50 million left over 2 years. With the Jays trying to keep Vlad they may be willing to move Springer for some salary relief... I think 10 million per year for 2 years would be a worthy gamble for change of scenery... not likely at his age, but at that price you would be paying for what he did last year....
Hey if we could get him for cheap, I'd love to have Springer in RF compared to some of the other choices being discussed. He could also give us a 2-year bridge for developing some of the younger guys. He does seem to be declining, but maybe a return to Houston would light a spark.
Springer has a limited no trade and I would be shocked if Houston isn't on it. He has a beef with the Astros organization and didn't even consider staying. His biggest priority has always been playing in the North East, close to home and family. If he were to become available, I would be surprised if the Astros made Toronto the best offer, I would be shocked if George didn't block the deal.
We need OF's that hit righties, not lefties. If he is good against right-handers and plays decent in the OF he is exactly what we need. All of our current OF options are ok against lefties, but can't hit righthanders. We really need to sign or trade for two OF's to really solidify our lineup, unless Bregman or Arenado is acquired, then we only need 1.
We can certainly disagree with this, but the main thing is clear- there isn't really anything good out there in the FA market.
Heyward had a 145 wRC+ vs RHP as an Astro last year. It was 101 total including his time w/ the Dodgers but he missed some time injured, and I don't know if he was playing hurt at all. It's 114 for his career and coupled with his great defense and veteran leadership makes him a very very good choice especially since he would be cheap.
We agree that the FA market ( position players) has no impact players outside of Alonso who doesn't fit. The only FA impact signing would be adding a guy like Flaherty and then trading Framber, Blanco, or Arrighetti for significant talent. I don't see that happening.
Altuve has a bad arm for a second baseman much less as an outfielder. I love Jose, but man he will be a terrible outfielder. He should only play OF in our ballpark and onlly against RH pitchers at the most.
