Astros Notes Bregman McCullers Garcia Walker

Astros owner Jim Crane spoke to reporters (including ) about a handful of topics today, most notably the clubs pursuit of a reunion with longtime third baseman this winter. Bregman received a widely-reported offer of $156MM of six years from the Astros early in the winter, and Crane indicates that original offer was not altered at any point during Bregmans free agency. Bregman, of course, went on to sign a three-year deal with the Red Sox that guarantees him $120MM and affords him the opportunity to opt out after the 2025 and 26 seasons, though deferred money in that contract brings the net present value down to the $90MM range. Cranes comments notably conflict with a back in February that indicated Houston had upped its offer to Bregman from that initial 6/156 figure. As Spring Training approached with Bregman still on the market, there were signals that the sides had resumed discu sions as the club toyed with the idea of Spencer Turnbull Jersey moving to left field and to second base in order to bring Bregman back into the fold. While Altuve has moved to left field, Paredes remains entrenched at third in the aftermath of Bregman moving on to the Red Sox. After Bregman landed in Boston, the Astros pivoted towards , who will share time with at the keystone this year, to round out their infield mix. More from Houston that right-hander will make a start for Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday. Its a big milestone for the 31-year-old, as he hasnt thrown in an official game at the major or minor league level since the 2022 World Series after undergoing flexor surgery back in 2023. That layoff of more than two years could come to an end fairly soon if the righty can avoid additional setbacks, as hes tentatively expected to return in about a month and has to this point been kept off of the 60-day injured list. News regarding the clubs other injured starter, , is le s positive but still at least somewhat encouraging. Manager Joe Espada told reporters (including ) that the first opinion Garcia received on his right elbow was decent news, though that hasnt stopped Garcia and the Astros from seeking a on the matter before deciding on a course of action. The right-hander was shut down last week after he began feeling discomfort in his elbow again while nearing the end of his rehab following Tommy John surgery back in 2023. While its unclear how much longer the 28-year-old figures to be out of action, that Espada showed any signs of encouragement would at least suggest that the righty has not yet been recommended for Tommy John surgery, which would wipe out his 2025 season and likely much of the 2026 campaign as well. Rounding out the news with a positive update, first baseman is reportedly full go to start the season after dealing with some oblique sorene s in the final weeks of Spring Training. As Walker himself told and other reporters, Walkers oblique i sue wasnt too aggre sive to begin with and that hes facing zero limitations as the season begins. Walker was the biggest acquisition of the clubs offseason, signed to a three-year, $60MM deal to replace the lackluster combination of and at first base this year for Houston. Erich Uelmen Jersey