The Houston Astros find themselves in a bind this offseason as they stare down the possibility of losing longtime star to free agency. The homegrown slugger has been a cornerstone of the franchise, but with no deal yet finalized, general manager Dana Brown must explore contingency plans. Among the most intriguing options? A potential trade for Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm.
Bohm, a 2024 All-Star, enjoyed a standout season, tallying 97 RBIs and 44 doubles. However, with Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski reportedly looking to shake up the roster, Bohm’s name has surfaced as a trade candidate. Could a swap involving Bregman and Bohm be in the works? It’s a scenario that has caught the attention of many, especially as rumors swirl about Philadelphia’s interest in the Astros’ third baseman.
Adding to the speculation, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggested that if Bregman leaves Houston, the Astros and Phillies could strike a mutually beneficial deal. “If the Astros lose Alex Bregman in free agency, you can be assured that Phillies president Dave Dombrowski will be immediately on the phone offering Bohm for Astros reliever Ryan Pressly,” Nightengale wrote in his Winter Meetings primer. Pressly, a two-time All-Star, has seen his role evolve after the team signed Josh Hader to a $95 million deal last winter. While Pressly’s days as Houston’s primary closer are behind him, he could fill a crucial bullpen gap for Philadelphia after the departures of Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estévez.
A trade for Bohm could provide Houston with a seamless transition at third base, ensuring the Astros remain competitive in the loaded AL West. Meanwhile, Pressly’s $14 million contract in 2025 offers the Phillies a short-term fix to stabilize their bullpen. The idea of a Bregman departure is a tough pill to swallow for Astros fans, but landing a player like Bohm—and fortifying the bullpen in the process—could soften the blow.
As the Winter Meetings loom, all eyes are on the Astros and Phillies. Will Dana Brown and Dave Dombrowski pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade? Or will Bregman return to Houston, keeping the heart of the Astros’ lineup intact? Stay tuned—it’s shaping up to be an offseason filled with high-stakes drama.
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