Astros’ Infield Scenarios Once Alex Bregman Gets Called Up

What to do about the Astros’ Alex Bregman

Here are some scenarios I think could work out for our infield once Alex Bregman Gets the “call to the show,” in order of being the best scenario. While Bregman might want to stay at shortstop, the Astros already have an all-world young shortstop.

Bregman goes to third, Altuve and Correa stays put 

This is the best situation in my opinion. Carlos Correa will stay at short, where he has said he wants to stay while Jose Altuve stays at second. I don’t think Altuve can go to third because he does not have the range. With A.J. Reed or Tyler White at first base, adding Bregman to third base would make the Astros have one of the best offensive infields.

Bregman to short, Correa to third, Altuve stays at second

This would be the second best scenario. Yes, Correa said he wants to stay at short, but this and the top scenario are the only ones where I see all three remain in the field. I think Correa will “take one for the team” should this situation arises, similar to when A-Rod joined the Yankees in 2004.

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Bregman goes to left field. (Added by the Editor)

This has also been discussed concerning Bregman with the emergence of Colin Moran, who could be on the verge of making his MLB debut soon. J.J. Cooper and Jim Callis were both on Talking Stros and discussed the possibility of Bregman in the outfield, but they feel he most likely will end up at third base. Houston Astros: Talking Stros with Jim Callis, Defends Bregman over Reed and Astros Prospects: Talking Stros w/ JJ Cooper, Defends Martes over Bregman.

Bregman goes to 2nd, and Correa stays at short, Altuve becomes DH

This is the last scenario I see all three remain on the team. Maybe Correa isn’t the team player I thought he was and is hell bent to stay at short. That’ll make Bregman go to second. I believe that we could eventually make Altuve the designated hitter because Evan Gattis is too inconsistent. He may hit home runs, but as far as strikeout prone he’s just a notch or two ahead of Chris Carter.

Altuve can just worry about hitting and minimizing the chance of injury, ultimately extending his career. The only possible issue with this is that Altuve would go to stir crazy as the DH, and you would not have the flexibility to carry both Reed and White.

Bregman to second, Correa stays at short, Altuve traded

Ok, before the Climbing Tal’s Hill mafia come get me, hear me out. Remember when I said Correa might be hell bent to stay at short? Well, maybe Altuve might be hell bent to stay on the field. He may be insulted to be asked by the Astros to take away half his skill, and we have no choice but to trade him. Perhaps we could use him as bait for A starting pitcher at the deadline. This is an unlikely scenario, but one to bring up.

Bregman stays at short, Altuve stays at 2nd, Correa gets traded. 

Ok, this is probably the most far-fetched one, but it is my duty to give this scenario.  As mentioned above Correa and Altuve could be both bull headed and only one gets their way. The club chooses to oblige Altuve instead of Correa and the club traded Correa. This scenario seems very unlikely to me. Though it will be a tough choice, I just think if it is down to keeping Altuve and keeping Correa, they’re keeping Correa. He’s younger and much more potential than Altuve, who is already an established player.

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What do you think? I think there’s no way Bregman stays at short unless Correa agrees to go to third, which could very well be possible. But unfortunately, if Correa does not agree, someone will be the odd man out. There is also a chance that Bregman himself gets traded before this becomes an issue.