The Houston Astros faced a major issue throughout the 2024 season with instability at first base, following a disappointing year from former American League MVP Jose Abreu, who was designated for assignment after a subpar performance. This left the Astros in search of a consistent solution to anchor one of their corner infield spots. With Alex Bregman possibly departing this offseason, the team faces even more uncertainty at third base, making the upcoming offseason crucial for their chances of returning to postseason contention.
After being swept by the Detroit Tigers in the AL Wild Card Series, the Astros’ failure to reach the American League Championship Series for the first time in seven years highlights the need for improvement. To bolster their roster for 2025, particularly at first base, the team may be in luck, as there could be an opportunity to land a top-tier slugger at a favorable price.
CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa has made a bold prediction that the Astros could secure New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso on a short-term deal, much like several notable free agents who signed one-year contracts during the previous offseason. Axisa points out that teams are less inclined to offer long-term deals to free-agent first basemen, and Alonso might have to settle for a one-year contract worth around $35 million, with the inclusion of two player options. This deal could be an ideal fit for the Astros, who are looking for a power hitter to fill the first base void for the 2025 season without committing to a long-term contract after Abreu’s failure.
A one-year deal would also allow the Astros flexibility, keeping options open for future extensions. If Alonso performs well, the Astros could consider re-signing him, or alternatively, the organization could focus on other long-term goals, especially with key players like Kyle Tucker becoming free agents in 2026. For the Astros, this short-term deal would be a best-case scenario, addressing their immediate need at first base while maintaining flexibility for future seasons.
In 2024, Alonso hit .240/.329/.459 with 34 home runs and 88 RBIs, while also playing in all 162 games for the Mets. Although he will be entering his age 30 season, there are no concerns about his durability, as he has missed only 20 games over the past four seasons. This makes Alonso an appealing option for the Astros, providing a reliable source of power at first base as they look to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 campaign. With his track record and the Astros’ needs, Alonso could be the right player to help the team return to contention in 2025.
