Astros eyeing this Alex Bregman replacement if deal falls through

The Houston Astros are reportedly still in pursuit of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman as of Tuesday morning. Houston's brass also appears to have a cost-effective replacement in mind should Bregman seek greener pastures before next season. Houston is reportedly showing "strong interest" in signing free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco, according to The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Polanco is presently viewed as a "contingency plan," per Rome, and Houston's primary target if Bregman signs with a different suitor. As a one-time All-Star across 11 seasons, Polanco, 31, doesn't exactly boast the same resume as Bregman. He could still be a sensible edition if Bregman eschews the six-year, $156 million offer still reportedly offered by Houston. Polanco posted an OPS+ 20-percent above league average from the 2020-23 seasons. He's a switch hitter who could provide a second left-handed option to Yordan Alvarez, and the former Seattle and Minnesota infielder could also "contribute in left field if he signs with the Astros," per Rome. There's no confusing Polanco for Bregman, both in terms of clubhouse value and on-field production. Still, if Houston isn't willing to spend major money again this offseason, Polanco could be a sensible bet on a deal hovering under $10 million (likely across just one year). Bregman is a steady, All-Star-caliber player. Polanco is a risky target, though one with intriguing upside. Houston’s options for improving their lineup outside those two bats are otherwise scarce. I suspect the Astros will target an outfielder to fill out their lineup if neither Bregman nor Polanco sign. But it’s unclear whether any unsigned outfielder could serve as more than a platoon-level piece. Veterans Randal Grichuk and Tommy Pham are better used as weak-side platoon players who hit far better against southpaws. Alex Verdugo is a left-handed bat and a strong defender; he also posted an OPS+ 17-percent below league average in 2024. A similar principle applies to veteran Jason Heyward, and another outfield option came off the board Monday as the Baltimore Orioles signed former St. Louis Cardinals top prospect Dylan Carlson. An outfield of Tucker, Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers underwhelmed last season. Substitute Tucker for a more middling player, and the unit’s decline will continue. Houston ditched outfielder Kyle Tucker and added corner infielders Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes this winter. Retain Bregman, and this should be one of the American League’s most fearsome lineups. Let Bregman walk, and the 2025 outlook is again uncertain. The Astros have superstar talent near the top of its lineup. The current depth questions could very well linger throughout next season, kneecapping a club that once again harbors World Series expectations.