Houston Astros Potentially Shopping Franchise Star This Offseason

The Houston Astros could be open to trading one of their best players this offseason.

One of the most impressive parts about the Houston Astros' dynasty is how they've managed to maintain it despite a good amount of turnover. Despite losing star players like Carlos Correa, George Springer, Gerrit Cole and others, they've managed to reach the ALCS in seven straight seasons.

While the Astros weren't expected to lose any major contributors this offseason, they could end up parting ways with another one of their franchise linchpins.

According to former MLB GM Jim Duquette, star third baseman Alex Bregman may be the next in line to depart Houston, potentially as soon as this winter.

"I think they're listening. Keep on eye on Alex Bregman." @JimDuquetteGM isn't sure the #Astros can re-sign their star third baseman next offseason.

Here's what he's hearing about Bregman's availability in the trade market: @Astros | #Ready2Reign pic.twitter.com/sf0LrDflu0

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 27, 2023

During an interview on MLB Network Radio on Monday, Duquette revealed that the Astros may be listening to trade offers for Bregman, who is slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season.

Bregman is heading into the final year of his five-year, $100 million extension that he signed with Houston in March 2019. If he reaches free agency next winter, he'll likely fetch at least twice that on the open market.

If the Astros are unable to extend Bregman again this offseason, they may have no choice but to deal him. They'd be better off trading him now for a quality return rather than losing him for a mere compensation pick if he signs elsewhere next winter. 

Houston may not want to extend Bregman, anyway, given that he's entering his age-30 season. While he's coming off another strong season in 2023 (25 HR, 98 RBIs, 4.9 bWAR), he hasn't made an All-Star team since 2019 and is heading into what is typically the decline phase of most MLB players' careers. Does the team really want to tie up a bunch of money to an aging player who may start slipping in his 30s?

If the answer is no, then it might be time to move on from Bregman while his trade value is still high. It wouldn't be the first time Houston let a homegrown star go.