On Friday afternoon, the Houston Astros shocked the baseball world when it was announced they had agreed to terms on a deal with Arizona Diamondbacks free agent Christian Walker. Walker will come to Houston and play first base while trade acquisition Isaac Parades plays third base.
What does that mean for incumbent third baseman turned free agent Alex Bregman?
It likely means Bregman's time in Houston has come to an end after 1,111 games, 191 home runs, and two World Series titles.
FanSided's Cody Williams agrees. Williams recently predicted the Astros to cut ties with Bregman after signing Walker. Bregman is projected to land a $119 million deal this winter, per Spotrac, but his real deal will likely be much richer than that number.
"The two-time World Series champion, two-time All-Star, and 2019 AL MVP runner-up has been a stalwart for the dynasty in Houston since he joined the organization out of LSU," Williams wrote. "With him hitting free agency, there was always at least a consideration he could return for another go at it and to finish his career there.
"Turning their focus to a reunion with Bregman was the most sensible next move for Houston after we saw that happen. Walker's arrival puts that completely to bed, however. The Astros acquired Isaac Paredes in the Tucker deal from the Cubs, but his positional versatility still left the door open for Bregman. Walker now coming in at first base and Jose Altuve's presence at second base makes that no longer the case."
It's almost guaranteed that Walker's signing indicates an end to Bregman's time in Houston. But this doesn't exactly mean the Astros wanted to lose the third baseman. In fact, Houston tried very hard to bring him back, but Bregman will now land with another team for much more money than Walker got from Houston.
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