I saw this stat:

WAR for third baseman since 2023:

Bregs: 9.0
Paredes: 6.9

That's just a two win drop off.

With the addition of Walker at 1B over what we had there last year and the year prior, we are going to be perfectly ok.

EastCoastAgNc said:

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Cam Smith is a large individual pic.twitter.com/RS68CNXLPX

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 13, 2025

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People really don't realize how athletic and jacked most MLB players are these days.

And I'm 100% convinced MLB never updates height/weight numbers after guys are drafted. Like both Jeremy Pena and Jake Meyers are listed right at 6'0" 200 (202 for Pena but whatever) and seeing them both up close last year in spring training I can promise you they were both closer to 215-220.

I've had coaches from A&M and LSU tell me and my oldest directly that if you want to be a D1 baseball recruit you need to get your butt in the weight room to get stronger, more explosive, and faster. Size generally comes with that. Even guys on the smaller side like Ben Gamel (listed at 5'10" 180 but probably closer to 200 now) are jacked.

f1ghtintexasaggie said:

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agproducer said:

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I saw this stat:

WAR for third baseman since 2023:

Bregs: 9.0
Paredes: 6.9

That's just a two win drop off.

With the addition of Walker at 1B over what we had there last year and the year prior, we are going to be perfectly ok.

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This, exactly. And we will have more flexibility at the trade deadline this year and moving forward into the future. Wish we would have landed a solid RF to replace KT, but I think we can compete for the division with the lineup as is. If we want to be serious contenders for the pennant, we will likely need a couple big moves at the deadline.

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IMHO this team is gonna be what it is from the jump. We don't have the prospects to make a big move and if we did I don't think it'd be worth it. Need to focus on the draft/development in the next couple years and acquire or develop more above average regulars, not just fringe roster guys. That's tough after drafting in the back half of every round for 10 years, plus losing picks. The good thing is that Paredes and Walker give more of a buffer to be able to focus on OF. Wonder who debuts first, Melton or Gilbert. As a side note, our pitching dev is what will keep us from the real down years in 2027-30, I think.

At this point I'm just trying to imagine what Yordan's second contract will look like. Maybe that's thinking too far ahead, lol

Chas McCormick on the Astros’ outfield: “We’re going to surprise some people.”

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 13, 2025

Framber Valdez when asked about Altuve playing left field: “I don’t think it’s going to happen. That’s just a lot of talk…second base or nothing.”

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 13, 2025

An unfiltered Frampinion

Framber Valdez, entering his final season under team control, said the Astros have not approached him about a potential extension. Asked if he would be open to talks or prefer to test free agency, Valdez said through an interpreter: "I'm ready for both occasions."

— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) February 13, 2025

EastCoastAgNc said:

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Chas McCormick on the Astros’ outfield: “We’re going to surprise some people.”

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 13, 2025

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Any reversion to the mean by Chas, or progression by Meyers, would dramatically improve our OF

Don't need anything crazy, both are capable of being low 700 OPS guys imho

if Jake has a .900 OPS in May again...

he needs to be traded immediately

AggiEE said:

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Marvin said:

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Paying $120 million for three years of over-30 Bregman is nothing but Boston betting against time and declining performance. I think they sold themselves on the name.

Would loved to have him back for $25-ish, but $40 (even with deferrals) is stupidity. It's something the Mets would do... which brings up a good point. Does he have a no-trade clause in that contract?

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Boston is deferring, so it's basically $30M/yr


I don't think it's a bad deal for Boston, but losing draft picks and potentially opt outs early isn't optimal

But they're only on the hook for 3 years, and $30M is barely any more than his competing offers for many more years.

It's a much worse deal for Bregman

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I am aware of the deferrals, and the math involved. I still think Boston paid for a player who does not exist today.

W said:

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if Jake has a .900 OPS in May again...

he needs to be traded immediately

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I disagree

If the OF is projected to be the weak spot why would we move that production and only make it weaker?

Marvin said:

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Paying $120 million for three years of over-30 Bregman is nothing but Boston betting against time and declining performance. I think they sold themselves on the name.

Would loved to have him back for $25-ish, but $40 (even with deferrals) is stupidity. It's something the Mets would do... which brings up a good point. Does he have a no-trade clause in that contract?

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The money involved is a default no trade clause.

I think Dana has navigated this off-season very well. I'd give him a B+

Yeah Dana has been pretty damn good.

He managed to move Tucker for a very solid return, managed to get Press off the books, and got a massive upgrade at 1B. He didn't bite on keeping JV or Bregman.

From the Bregman situation it appears Dana drives a hard bargain and seems like he takes a no games approach when negotiating.

I've been pleased

EastCoastAgNc said:

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Chas McCormick on the Astros’ outfield: “We’re going to surprise some people.”

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) February 13, 2025

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I'm already surprised that we're starting Chas and Jake on a day to day basis.

EastCoastAgNc said:

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McCormick said the outfield “is going to surprise some people.” pic.twitter.com/ZCkoXzgy0Y

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 13, 2025

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Can't see the rest of him, but his head and neck look thinner.



I'm also posting this picture for obvious reasons of his wedding photos.

The Original Houston 1836 said:

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EastCoastAgNc said:

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McCormick said the outfield “is going to surprise some people.” pic.twitter.com/ZCkoXzgy0Y

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) February 13, 2025

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Can't see the rest of him, but his head and neck look thinner.



I'm also posting this picture for obvious reasons of his wedding photos.

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Fun fact of the day:

• Chas McCormick has a higher wRC+ than Luis Robert, Adolis Garcia, George Springer, Cody Bellinger, Lourdes Gurriel, Cedric Mullins, & Randal Grichuk over the last 3 seasons.

Bonus:

• From 8/4/22 to 9/6/23 (531 PA) Chas had a 141 wRC+. Which is the same as 2024 Mookie Betts or 2024 Jose Ramirez.

He has more in the tank than he showed in 2024. No doubt he's going to be hungry after a disappointing season. If he can get to more career norms, he's perfectly capable of being a dangerous 6/7 hole hitter with plus defense in a corner OF spot.