Alex Bregman is Back to His Old Self, Helping Lead the Astros

In one of the more fascinating storylines of the MLB season, Alex Bregman has managed to pull himself out of his horrendous start. This would be noteworthy any year, but the fact that he is in a contract season and the Astros also struggled mightily early makes it even more captivating.

I penned a piece here at Just Baseball just over a month ago highlighting Bregman’s and the Astros’ weak starts. Fast-forward to July 1, and the issues are cleared up, and they are both rolling.

Bregman isn’t the only reason Houston is on a hot streak and heading up the standings. But he is a large part of their success. The veteran third baseman has righted the ship. He has been producing at a clip that is at, or above, his historic numbers.

Alex Bregman’s Recent Hot Streak

In a way, I should take some credit for Bregman’s turning his season around. I’m just kidding. But the reality is that from the day my article was published questioning his start to the season, the guy has been en fuego.

That very night, he had his best game of the season. He went 3-for-4 with a double, two home runs, three runs scored, and four RBI. The video below shows his home run the next night. He would have yet another double that evening as well. Talk about getting things to click.

BREGGY IS GETTING HOT FOLKS pic.twitter.com/MfEnwXT2of

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) May 15, 2024

We all knew Bregman was going to get back on track. However, we might have underestimated how quickly it would come together. His numbers before and after May 13 tell two different stories.

In his first 37 games, he had a slash line of .201/.270/.264, with six doubles, no triples, one home run, eight runs, and 13 RBI. Not good by anyone’s standards. Especially from a two-time All-Star who just missed out on the AL MVP 2019. That year, Mike Trout edged him in the voting.

Over his last 42 games, Bregman has slashed .287/.339/.509, with ten doubles, two triples, eight home runs, 29 runs, and 24 RBI. Now, that is the Breggy that everyone has come to expect over the last nine seasons.

Houston Astros are Surging

With Bregman hitting well, it allowed rookie manager Joe Espada to move him back into the top of the order. And even though Kyle Tucker has been out of action since fouling a ball off his shin on June 3, the Astros keep winning.

Houston still has an ultra-thin starting rotation, but that hasn’t stopped them from winning. As the trade deadline approaches, they will undoubtedly be in the market for some pitching depth.

The Astros are the hottest team in baseball at the moment. Since May 13, the club is 27-16, and they have won nine of their last ten games.

The Houston Astros have reached a .500 record for the first time in all of 2024

They are now just 3 games back of a Wild Card spot. pic.twitter.com/USRrUlUasu

— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) June 26, 2024

On June 26, the Astros reached the .500 mark for the first time this year. Then, on Sunday, the team got above .500 for the first time all season. They are now 43-41. That puts them three games out of first place in the AL West (trailing only Seattle). They are also only three games out of the Wild Card.

Houston has overcome many injuries and setbacks this year. Their current position is a testament to their moxie.

Astros Pushing Hard as Postseason Window Closing

It is no secret that the Astros’ run over the last seven seasons has been legendary. The fact that it has lasted this long easily puts this group into the dynasty category.

But are we nearing the end of dominance in Houston? The short answer is yes.

With an aging core and the loss of several key players over the years, the high level of winning will inevitably slow sooner rather than later.

With that said, there are a bunch of guys on this Astros team, Bregman included, that know how to win and will do everything they can to keep it going. This strong push over the last month and a half proves what they can do. They will not ride off into the sunset without a fight.

When we get to the end of September, if the Astros find themselves in the playoffs, watch out. They are a team that nobody is going to want to face. Even if they aren’t the best team on paper anymore, they have the “been there, done that” factor that is hard to take down in baseball.

What Does the Future Hold for Bregman?

With no contract extension in place, is this the last dance for Bregman while donning the Astros’ orange and navy? History points to yes.

The Astros tend to either sign players to extensions before their contracts expire or let them go. Bregman himself signed a five-year, $100 million contract before 2020. It ensured he would remain an Astro for his first two free-agency years. This is the last year of that contract.

Jose Altuve was extended this past offseason through his 39-year-old season. Yordan Alvarez has also signed a long-term contract. Kyle Tucker will be a free agent at the end of next year, and something must be done to retain him.

Letting Bregman walk at the end of the year would be unthinkable for many organizations. However, owner Jim Crane and the Astros have shown they are okay with watching some of their superstars head-on in front of other organizations.

They let Carlos Correa, George Springer, and Justin Verlander (although he is back) head off into free agency. The team’s track record in doing this suggests that this is liable to be Bregman’s last ride with the Astros.

If that is the case, Bregman will push hard to help the team do great things this year and build up his case to be signed to a lucrative contract this coming offseason.

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