Houston Astros owner Jim Crane recently opened up about Alex Bregman’s departure, giving fans insight into why the franchise had to move forward without their star third baseman. While Bregman ultimately landed a lucrative three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, the Astros had made what Crane described as a "pretty good offer" before deciding it was time to pivot in another direction.
Crane discussed the situation during an in-game appearance on the Astros’ flagship radio station, 790 AM, while attending the team’s Grapefruit League home opener. Reflecting on Bregman’s exit, he emphasized the tough decisions that come with roster management. “We felt we made a pretty good offer to Alex; it didn’t work out,” Crane said. “We had to move on. You wait too long and a lot of these (other available) players disappear. So sometimes it’s a tough decision. But having a little experience like (Astros general manager Dana Brown) does — and I’ve seen it happen a few times with us before — you can’t sit around on your hands, you’ve got to go. And I think we really turned out some pretty good trades.”
The Offer That Wasn't Enough
Early in the offseason, Houston reportedly put a six-year, $156 million contract on the table for Bregman, a deal that would have matched the longest contract in franchise history under Crane’s ownership. However, negotiations didn’t go as the Astros hoped, leading them to explore other options. With Bregman still unsigned at that point, Houston took a proactive approach by making significant moves to strengthen their infield.
Instead of waiting around for a decision from Bregman, the Astros struck a December 13 deal, sending star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for corner infielder Isaac Paredes, pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and infield prospect Cam Smith. Just a week later, they locked in first baseman Christian Walker on a three-year, $60 million contract, putting Paredes in line to take over at third base. The front office also briefly explored a trade for Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado before ultimately settling on their acquisitions.
Bregman Finds a New Home
While the Astros had already moved on, Bregman remained a hot commodity in free agency. The Tigers and Cubs both showed interest, but ultimately, on February 12, he agreed to terms with Boston. His new contract with the Red Sox includes opt-outs after the first two seasons, giving him flexibility while also incorporating deferred money—something that likely played a role in sealing the deal.
Bregman’s departure, however, was just one of several major changes the Astros made this offseason. Along with losing their longtime third baseman, the team also saw the exits of key contributors like Justin Verlander, who signed with the San Francisco Giants, and reliever Ryan Pressly, another 2022 World Series champion who was traded to the Cubs. The Pressly deal, in particular, helped Houston shed $8.5 million in salary for 2025, giving them more financial room to maneuver in the future.
A Shift in Team Philosophy?
One of the more notable aspects of this offseason was Houston’s approach to roster building. Crane has previously expressed hesitancy about handing out massive long-term contracts, and this philosophy seemed to influence not only Bregman’s departure but also Tucker’s trade. Tucker, who would have been a free agent next offseason, is expected to command a significant contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing, the Astros capitalized on his trade value while they could.
Despite the shake-ups, Crane remains confident in the team’s direction. “I think Dana did a great job,” he said, praising Brown’s ability to secure value in the trades. “I really think the trade he made with Chicago to get three quality players for one guy (Tucker) that we may or may not have been able to extend really put some depth in the lineup, more pitching. You always need more pitching.”
What’s Next for the Astros?
With these moves in place, the Astros are banking on Paredes to solidify third base while Walker provides stability and power at first. Crane has high hopes for the newcomers, particularly Paredes’ ability to hit home runs in Houston’s hitter-friendly park. “I think Paredes’ bat plays well at third, and he’ll hit a bunch of home runs (in Houston) because he’s a big pull hitter. And Walker’s a big upgrade with the glove at first and the bat from what we had last year, (when) we kind of shifted everybody around in there,” Crane explained.
Of course, replacing a player like Bregman—who was instrumental in helping Houston win two World Series titles—won’t be easy. His leadership, clutch performances, and consistency at third base made him a fan favorite. However, the Astros believe they have built a team capable of sustaining success, even with several notable departures.
The ultimate goal remains the same: win the AL West, make a deep postseason run, and compete for another championship. “I really like the moves, and I think we’ve got a good ballclub and hopefully win the division and go from there,” Crane added.
Final Thoughts
While the loss of Bregman stings, the Astros’ decision to move on rather than overcommit financially shows a disciplined approach to team-building. By acquiring young talent and focusing on long-term sustainability, Houston is positioning itself for continued success in the years to come.
Will these moves pay off? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the Astros aren’t afraid to make tough calls if they believe it’s in the best interest of the team. And with a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, they’re still very much in the hunt for another championship run.
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