Astros Could Replace Free Agent Third Baseman With Gold Glove Superstar

The Houston Astros could replace or even upgrade their third base position if they lose their superstar.

Sep 16, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) fields a ground ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at Busch Stadium / Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros have one of the most high-profile free agents in the entire league available this offseason in Alex Bregman, and they will have to fend off tons of suitors in order to keep him.

His free agency decision looms over the strategy for not only the Astros moving forward through the rest of the offseason, but for every team who thinks they have a good chance at landing him as well.

As one of the core players for a team which has dominated the American League for the better part of the last decade, he's also coming off his first-ever Gold Glove season to add to his offensive prowess.

Because of that, it's understandable why Bregman will be one of the most sought after players this winter.

Houston and general manager Dana Brown have made clear their desire to keep the franchise legend, but there are obvious hurdles to clear and he may receive an offer they aren't willing to match.

If that were to happen, it would leave a clear hole at the hot corner, so the Astros would have to find a replacement.

If they want to get a little bit bold, there may be someone available who could provide elite defense and above average offense to this championship-ready team.

Will Leitch of MLB.com wrote about the possibility of St. Louis Cardinals 10-time Gold Glove-winning veteran superstar Nolan Arenado being available for trade as they look to be starting a rebuild.

"The Mariners would love him. The Dodgers have tried to trade for him in the past. The Astros could use him, if they don’t bring back Alex Bregman. The Yankees could, too, if they move Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base or center field," Leitch wrote. "Arenado is not even that expensive, with three years and $74 million remaining on his contract (not counting the portion the Rockies are paying). Planning on trying to win a World Series the next three seasons? Arenado certainly can help with that."

Arenado has started to take a bit of a step back on the offensive side of the ball and will be 34 years old by the start of the 2025 season, but he is still one of the best in the game.

By winning 10 consecutive Gold Glove awards from his rookie year until 2022, along with being named an All-Star eight times, he has a resume as strong as anyone else in baseball.

If Houston does indeed lose Bregman, it's worth monitoring the potential market for Arenado.