3 Astros who won’t be back in 2026 if the team re-signs Alex Bregman
When the Houston Astros acquired Isaac Paredes in the Kyle Tucker trade, it felt as if the Alex Bregman era in Houston was probably over. When they signed Christian Walker soon after, it felt almost certain that Bregman was going to wear another uniform for the first time beginning in the 2025 season.
Over one month has gone by since these additions were made, and yet, Bregman remains on the open market. The lack of aggressive suitors has made it to the point where the Astros, somehow, remain in the hunt to bring him back. It will take some gymnastics to fit him in, including moving Jose Altuve to the outfield, but the Astros, obviously, would be better off with their star third baseman in the mix.
If the Astros do the unthinkable and re-sign Bregman after how this offseason unfolded, it will almost certainly result in these three departures ahead of the 2026 campaign.
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3) Victor Caratini will find more money elsewhere if the Astros re-sign Alex Bregman
The Astros, underratedly, have one of the best catcher duos in the game. Yainer Diaz looks like one of the best catchers in the league already, and Victor Caratini is as underrated of a backup as there is. He was so productive this past season, in fact, to the point where he saw time behind the plate, at first base, and at DH.
Caratini slashed .269/.336/.408 with eight home runs and 30 RBI in 87 games, 66 of which he started. In addition to his 113 OPS+ at the plate, the switch-hitting catcher also is a strong defender behind the plate.
In an ideal world, the Astros would bring him back after his contract runs out at the end of the 2025 campaign, but if Bregman returns, money will be tight. Chances are, Caratini will earn more playing time and money than the Astros would be willing to give him.
2) The Astros will try to find a taker for Lance McCullers Jr. if they re-sign Alex Bregman
Ahead of the 2021 season, Lance McCullers Jr. signed a five-year, $85 million extension to remain with the Astros through the 2026 campaign. At the time of the deal, this made a lot of sense. McCullers had established himself as a reliable arm in the middle of Houston’s rotation. The first year of McCullers’ deal was a resounding success, but ever since, he has struggled to stay on the field.
