MLB insider weighs in on Astros' bold gamble on Alex Bregman over Ryan Pressly

The Houston Astros might be one of the most important clubs to monitor as the offseason rolls along as they have been linked to two significant moves that could shape the open market. There have been significant rumblings that Houston could not only be looking to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to remove his $14 million salary for 2025 but also potentially use those additional funds to pursue Alex Bregman.

If this indeed happens, it could make a significant impact on the rest of the league as several teams have been linked to Bregman in free agency. That being said while bringing the third baseman back into the fold would undoubtedly help their lineup, MLB insiders Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds spoke about whether losing Pressly is worth it for the Houston Astros on the latest episode of MLB Hot Stove.

Reynolds believes that Houston might be better off keeping their elite bullpen intact.

"Are they better off with Pressly or are they better off with Bregman?" Reynolds asked. "I think I'm taking my bullpen. That the game everybody's playing. This isn't a guarantee that they're bringing Bregman back."

The emphasis on having multiple elite bullpen arms has grown in recent years, with teams looking to bolster their pitching staffs as best as they can. Right now, Houston could enter the 2025 campaign with a bullpen core of Pressly, Josh Hader and Bryan Abreu, which could give them an advantage.

"It's just a theory that that's among the reasons why they wanted to make this move, to try and pair down some payroll. I don't know, when you offer a guy $165 million, saving $14 million for an important bullpen piece, is that really worth your scratch?" Vasgersian questioned.

This conversation comes on the heels of rumors suggesting the Astros might consider trading Pressly to the Chicago Cubs.

Houston Astros reportedly considering reorganizing their defense to facilitate re-signing Alex Bregman

Although the Astros have made several notable moves this offseason, including signing Christian Walker and trading for Isaac Paredes, MLB insider Jon Heyman reported that the team could explore reorganizing their defense.

In order to allow Alex Bregman to potentially take his role back at third base, the team could reportedly look to move Paredes to second base and Jose Altuve to the outfield.

This would be a significant shift for Altuve, who has spent his entire career in the infield, even winning a Gold Glove Award at second base. There is a chance the team could also look to make further trades to open up space in the lineup, however, this is all a moot point if Bregman were to sign with a different club such as the Detroit Tigers.