This spring, keep an eye on these three Astros topics.
This article was taken from the Astros Beat newsletter by Brian McTaggart. Go here to view the newsletter in its entirety.And sign up to receive it in your inbox on a regular basis.
Getting through Spring Training injury-free may be your #1 priority, especially if your lineup and rotation are set and you have three strong relief pitchers. Two Astros pitchers now suffering with shoulder discomfort are Justin Verlander and J.P. France, however neither issue looks significant at this time.
In light of that, here are three main plots to follow when Astros camp opens:
1. Will Verlander be prepared for the season to begin?
Prior to camp, Verlander reported having soreness in his right shoulder and being a few weeks behind schedule in his throwing regimen. Turning 41 on February 20, Verlander described it as a “hiccup” and said it was too soon to say if it would affect his availability on Opening Day. He reported that in this offseason, he had thrown three times off the mound.
2. Is an extension with Alex Bregman feasible for the Astros?
After team star Jose Altuve signed a five-year, $125 million contract that will essentially make him an Astro for life, general manager Dana Brown revealed that the Astros plan to extend their contract with Bregman in order to keep him in Houston.
Bregman is a free agent after this season. Contract extensions are typically finalized during Spring Training since players would rather not worry about contract talks during the season. Bregman’s representative, Scott Boras, said last week that there was no timetable on an agreement. Brown concurred with such statements.
“We’re going to make him an offer eventually,” he said. “His excellence and services to this franchise are known to us. It would be hard to see beyond such excellent defense when looking out to third base. As a result, we will eventually complete the circle and have those conversations.
Manager Joe Espada stated, “I’m not [concerned] just because of the way he’s been in our conversations.” “He’s lagging behind, but he’s not giving me any reason to worry.” And I have faith in J.V.’s judgment; all we need to do is make sure he’s prepared to support us all season long.
2. Is it possible for the Astros to sign Alex Bregman to an extension?
After signing franchise icon Jose Altuve to a five-year, $125 million contract extension that will essentially make him an Astro for life, general manager Dana Brown said the club plans to make an offer to Bregman to keep him in Houston as well.
“We will, at some point, make him an offer,” he said. “We know how good he is, and how good he’s been for this franchise. It would be tough to look out at third base and not see that elite defense. And so, at some point, we’ll circle back and have those conversations.
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