SAN ANTONIO – Astros’ General Manager Dana Brown spoke for more than 40 minutes Tuesday in San Antonio, at MLB General Manager Meetings.
The Astros have a clear top priority: to re-sign third baseman Alex Bregman.
Here’s a rundown of the most interesting things Brown said, along with some things I heard talking to league sources.
CONFIDENCE ABOUT BREGMAN
Dana Brown expressed confidence Tuesday the Astros can re-sign Bregman.
“I think we have a really good chance,” Brown said when asked about the team’s chances.
Brown added that at this moment, he is preparing the team as if Bregman were to return. Brown also noted he’s had multiple productive conversations with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, and the dialogue will continue.
THE OTHER NEEDS
Aside from the top priority, Bregman, Brown noted these other needs for the team:
- Upgrade at 1st Base
- Add a left-handed hitting outfielder
- Upgrade the bullpen
- Keep an eye on starting pitching
CHAS VAULTS ABOVE JAKE MEYERS ON DEPTH CHART
The Astros are set in right field, with Kyle Tucker signed through 2025. The other two positions are mostly up for grabs (Yordan Alvarez will continue to play some left field).
The Astros anticipate tendering contracts to both Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers. Brown noted that McCormick is above Meyers on the depth chart, given his ability to hit. McCormick had a down year in 2024, batting just .211 with 5 home runs. In his previous three seasons, McCormick averaged an OPS+ of 117 (17% above league average as a hitter), including his breakout 2023, where he hit .273 with 22 home runs and an .842 OPS. McCormick was among the league leaders in hitting the fastball per Statcast metrics in both 2022 and 2023.
Meyers is a Gold Glove-caliber defender in center field, earning a nomination for the award in 2024. Meyers has struggled to hit consistently, holding a .292 on base percentage in more than 1,100 plate appearances.
Brown noted that while Meyers has the better glove, the combination of McCormick’s hitting ability and good glove is the better package, and a player that is now higher on the depth chart.
THINGS I HEARD
The Astros have started to explore trading reliever Ryan Pressly, a league source told KPRC 2. Pressly holds a no-trade clause and can bar a deal if he wants. The right-hander is making $14 million in 2025, and the Astros are looking for creative ways to clear salary under the luxury tax, while adding players to help the team win.
Brown mentioned Tuesday that any trade the Astros make where they give up an MLB player, they would like at least two MLB-level players in return. He did not specify which players the Astros are making available in trade talks. If the Astros were to move him, it would likely be to a team where Pressly could be the closer.
