The Houston Astros have added another reliever to the mix after signing a veteran right-hander.
It was thought that the front office might be done in the meantime, choosing to see what else they needed after understanding what their arbitration numbers might look like.
But, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Dana Brown continued his mantra of not waiting around this winter, reportedly signing veteran reliever Miguel Castro to a contract.
The insider did not disclose what the terms of the contract are, or if it is a Major or minor league deal.
Castro struggled this pat season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, posting a 5.93 ERA across his 11 outings that caused him to be designated for assignment and later released in July. But the year prior, he led the National League with 75 appearances, putting up a 102 ERA+.
The right-hander has a career 4.20 ERA across his 10 seasons in the Majors, pitching in 419 games with four starts. His ERA+ is four points above the league average, striking out 410 batters in 460 2/3 innings.
How he might factor in will be seen.
The Astros figure to have a plethora of arms on paper with Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia slated to return from their long-term injuries, but as they found out this past campaign, they can never have enough contributing pitchers in the organization.
Castro could earn a spot on the Opening Day roster if he performs well during the spring, but he’s certainly going to have a battle on his hands based on the way things look right now.
Surprising Contender Reportedly ‘All In’ on Houston Astros’ Alex Bregman
He may not be available for long, however, as a new frontrunner has emerged for the former Houston Astros star.
According to Evan Petzold’s Dec. 29 report for the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers have “strong interest” in Bregman and “appear to be all-in” on the two-time All-Star.
“Both sides are engaged in ongoing discussions with mutual interest, but there has been a gap in value as Bregman’s market narrows,” Petzold writes.
Bregman, who is represented by the Boras Corporation, is reportedly seeking a seven-year contract north of $200 million. That would approach the Tigers’ record for largest free-agent contract in franchise history; Prince Fielder’s nine-year, $214 million megadeal in 2014.
After cutting payroll in 2024, Detroit has money to spend.
The Tigers are still looking to add another right-handed bat even after signing former New York Yankees slugger Gleyber Torres to a one-year, $15 million deal.
Despite making the playoffs with an 86-76 record last year, Detroit could desperately use another power hitter after ranking 24th in MLB in home runs (162). Riley Greene was the only Tiger to blast 20 homers last year, and Bregman’s 26 long balls would have led the team.
Detroit could use Bregman’s pop in the middle of its order along with his veteran leadership.
The two-time World Series champ would be a great addition to a young team coming off its first postseason berth since 2014.
The Tigers haven’t signed a marquee free agent in years, and inking Bregman could help put them over the top in the AL Central. They’re facing stiff competition from the Boston Red Sox, however, who are also interested in the 30-year-old third baseman.
If Detroit misses out on Bregman, it could still pivot to former Baltimore Orioles slugger Anthony Santander, but its options are dwindling.
Meanwhile, the Astros have apparently moved on from their star after trading for Isaac Paredes and signing Christian Walker, leaving no room for Bregman in the infield.
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