Prospect acquired in exchange for IF Grae Kessinger
Linskey, 22, appeared in 22 games across three levels in the Diamondbacks minor league system in 2024, going 1-1 with a 2.78 ERA (10ER/32.1IP). The 22-year-old also recorded 51 strikeouts, a .180 opponent batting average and a 14.2 SO/9IP in 32.1 innings pitched. He spent the majority of last season with Class A Visalia (13g), topping out with Class A Hillsboro (6g). Linskey, a native of Humble, TX, was drafted out of Rice University in the 16th round of the 2023 draft.
Kessinger, 27, was designated for assignment by the Astros on Dec. 23. He appeared in 23 games for the Astros in 2024 and has played in 49 career games, all with Houston, in the last two seasons (2023-24). Kessinger was originally a second-round pick by the Astros in the 2019 draft.
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Alex Bregman could come to regret leaving Astros low-hanging fruit on the table
Third baseman Alex Bregman is one of the biggest names remaining on the free agent market. Bregman has spent all 9 seasons of his career with the Houston Astros, but staying with the organization is unlikely after he turned down a 6-year contract worth $156 million dollars.
With each passing day, the chances Bregman inks the $200 million dollar deal he is looking for seems less likely. In addition to not making the amount of money he would like, the teams that seem to be the best fit for Bregman at this point are not exactly where he would love to land, which very well could make him regret not accepting the deal the Astros offered him.
Bregman’s potential landing spots less than ideal for him
At this point, there are a limited number of teams still considering signing Alex Bregman. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets are potential suitors — but each team has their own reasons as to why they are hesitant.
The Red Sox have all-star Rafael Devers at the hot corner, who does not want to move positions, and the rest of their infield is set. The Tigers likely cannot afford Bregman’s asking price and even though they made a postseason run a season ago, Detroit may not exactly be contenders — which is a priority for the 2X World Series champion.
Toronto has remained idle almost all offseason and most certainly has the capacity to sign Bregman but are not set to be competitive in a very stacked AL East. For the Phillies to make room for Bregman, Alec Bohm would need to be traded away but Philadelphia reportedly maintains a high asking price for their third baseman. Finally, after signing Juan Soto and not knowing what will happen with Pete Alonso, the Mets may not have room for Bregman on their payroll.
Considering all the factors above and with all-star third baseman Nolan Arenado on the trading block, finding the right fit for Bregman is challenging to say the least. The way it is trending, Bregman may end up having to take a deal with a non-contender for less money than the Houston Astros offered him to stay and could result in a high level of regret.
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