Well, if Max Muncy gets hurt or another big market contender loses their 3B, it might happen. But yes overall I agree with you that it’s a foolish strategy.
Crush City podcast was really good with Espada. Love that Bryce Matthews looks solid at second. I think this may be more of a reason for moving Altuve than anything else we've seen or heard so far. Blocking Mathews and Smith might be the the most ill advised thing the Astros can do right now.
https://www.mlb.com/astros/news/astros-2025-opening-day-roster MacT’s first roster projection article. Essentially lists these spots up for competition: An OF spot between Dezenzo and Trammell. MacTaggert lists Dezenzo as the favorite and notes that Dezenzo can play 3B. An IF spot between Singleton, Jesus Bastidas, and Zack Short. He notes that Bastidas and Short would be in the mix more if the Astros intend to play Altuve in LF. SP5 between Wesneski, Gusto, and Gordon. Six bullpen spots between Scott, Montero, Dubin, Ort, King, Whitley, Hernandez, Contreras, and Okert. If Houston adds Bregman or Arenado my guess is there’d be 12 locks on the position player side and the 13th spot would be a competition between Singleton, Trammell, and Dezenzo. I’d also assume Scott and Ort are locks for the bullpen assuming they’re healthy considering how effective they were last season and that they’re out of options. Dubin and Whitley are also out of options but not necessarily locks even though I consider it very unlikely that either guy would pass thru waivers. I also expect Houston to carry 6 SP to open the season.
If Chicago or Boston were smart, they'd sign Bregs to a 6 year deal then trade him to us mid-season for prospects Astros get him (minus $14 mil or so prorated)
Several teams (including the Astros) pressed for him to make a decision a week ago. Not sure how much of this is Bregman and how much of it is Boras. Wouldn’t be shocked if Boras and Crane have a conversation on Saturday or Sunday.
I am just ready for this to be over so the sooner the better, personally, I am ready to move on. If he WANTED to be here and the money was fairly close, he would be here, so I have to assume one of two things, the Astros offer is way off OR he thinks he has a better shot elsewhere. I feel like the girl who isn't quite hot enough and he is trying to secure a hotter prom date while not committing to taking me just in case
I do think Leon could make some sense as a 13th position player due to his speed and versatility. He can serve primarily as a pinch runner, but also as a 3rd option at all 3 OF spots plus 2B, and an emergency option at SS. His power also gives potential impact as a pinch hitter. It just depends on if Houston still feels like his ceiling is high enough such that limiting his playing time works against his development. For me I’d rather see Singleton or Trammell or Hummel or Salazar in that last spot because they all offer things of value in that role and they all are very likely close to fully developed (not to mention Singleton and Trammell and Hummel are out of options). My ideal opening day roster: Altuve Paredes Alvarez Walker Diaz Dezenzo, Bregman, or Arenado Gamel McCormick Pena Dubon Meyers Singleton, Trammell, or Hummel Valdez Brown Blanco Arrighetti Wesneski Gusto Scott Dubin Whitley King, Okert, or Sousa Ort Abreu Hader
Not a bad addition. Capable infielder who has generally been league average against RHP. Can’t hit lefties. Excellent bb/k ratio. Makes a lot of contact. Offers no power or speed.
Regarding Leon, I think he's developed as much as he's going to in AAA. I guess it'll come down to the value of a LH bat off the bench vs. pinch runner. You see Gamel as a lock vs. competing for a spot? As his money is only guaranteed if he makes the opening day roster.
I'm not sure if Gamel stays on the roster all year if young guys continue to progress at AAA but I think he will need to have an awful spring or injury to not make the opening day roster. Prediction he makes opening day roster and platoons vs RHP in RF until Mid-June. Then he is DFA'd because a high performing AAA guy is brought up- Melton? Dezenzo? Whitcomb? Leon? Corona? or because of underperformance.
