Nolan Arenado just threw a wrench in the Houston Astros’ plans to revamp their roster. By exercising his no-trade clause, the Cardinals’ star third baseman blocked a deal that could have reshaped Houston’s lineup and likely sent Alex Bregman packing to another team by 2025. For the Astros, the failed trade highlights a growing sense of urgency as they navigate the precarious balance between contention and financial restraint.
Astros GM Dana Brown has been walking a tightrope, aiming to maintain competitiveness while avoiding significant spending. This strategy has already led to the trade of Kyle Tucker before his final year of club control and the inclusion of Framber Valdez in trade rumors. The Arenado deal would’ve fit this approach, with St. Louis potentially taking on $15-20 million of his salary. But with Arenado off the table, Houston must pivot to alternative plans, starting with a few intriguing options.
3. Rebuilding Bridges with Alex Bregman
Despite nearly trading for Arenado, the Astros may now need to reconsider keeping Alex Bregman. The organization’s willingness to move on from the veteran third baseman signals a desire to save costs, but with limited alternatives, retaining him might become the best—and most expensive—solution.
Bregman’s tenure with the Astros has been stellar, even though 2024 was subpar by his standards. His track record and the league-wide interest in his services suggest a rebound is likely. Re-signing him could stabilize the roster, assuming Bregman is willing to return after being dangled as trade bait. If not, Houston will have to think creatively about its next move.
2. Exploring an Alec Bohm Trade
Alec Bohm of the Phillies presents an intriguing trade option for Houston, though it hinges on Philadelphia lowering their reportedly steep asking price. Bohm had a productive 2024 season with a .280/.332/.448 slash line, 15 home runs, and 44 doubles. His performance would be a significant upgrade over other rumored options, like Jorge Polanco, whose numbers lack appeal.
The Crawford Boxes at Minute Maid Park could amplify Bohm’s power potential, making him a valuable addition. However, the Astros must weigh the cost of acquiring him against their broader roster strategy. If Bregman is out of reach, Bohm could be a realistic alternative—assuming Philadelphia becomes more reasonable in negotiations.
1. Paul Goldschmidt as a Wild Card Option
While Paul Goldschmidt isn’t a third baseman, his availability could make him an intriguing target for the Astros. The Kyle Tucker trade brought Isaac Paredes into the fold, offering positional flexibility at the corners and opening the door to consider first basemen instead of exclusively targeting third basemen.
Despite a lackluster 2024, Goldschmidt’s second-half performance showed signs of resurgence. His power potential, especially in Houston’s hitter-friendly park, might make him a worthwhile investment. Compared to higher-priced options like Pete Alonso or Christian Walker, Goldschmidt could align better with Houston’s financial preferences.
What’s Next for the Astros?
The Arenado trade collapse leaves Houston with tough decisions as they try to retool without overspending. Whether they revisit Bregman, pursue Bohm, or take a gamble on Goldschmidt, one thing is clear: the Astros are feeling the heat, and the moves they make next will shape their trajectory for seasons to come.
