If the Houston Astros lose third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, an outcome they still hope to avoid, pursuit of an outside replacement is likely to follow. Astros officials have reiterated optimism at baseball’s winter meetings that they can retain Bregman,

"The biggest thing that changed for Jorge Polanco in Seattle was the strikeout rate, and the issues with the batting eye there are well documented," Sarris wrote. "He also was striking out more like he normally does late in season. I think he’ll be an above league average bat again next year."