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Houston Astros: What Can the Astros Do About Third Base?

By Matthew Bartlett

Mar 10, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (79) hits a ball in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Houston Astros won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2016; Melbourne, FL, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Colin Moran (79) hits a ball in the sixth inning against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium. The Houston Astros won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Potential Solution #4 – Alex Bregman

Mar 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Alex Bregman (82) throws to first base for the out against the New York Yankees during the third inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 7, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Alex Bregman (82) throws to first base for the out against the New York Yankees during the third inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports /

Sure, Bregman only has a handful of career starts at third base in his career, but can you imagine an infield of Bregman, Correa, Altuve, and possibly AAA prospect A.J. Reed? The Astros didn’t select Bregman with the intention of watching him dominate minor league pitching forever, so why not call him up sooner rather than later?

More astros: Hear Alex Bregman on Talking Stros

The 22-year-old leads the Texas League in home runs after hitting his 12th long ball of the season last night at Whataburger Field. He now has as many home runs as strikeouts. For the big league club to match those numbers from their third baseman, they would need to hit 42 more home runs. That ratio is unsustainable, but the rate at which he makes contact can and likely will translate to the big leagues. The greatest differentiating factor for Bregman is his ability to hit for power without swinging out of his shoes.

His minor league career has been impressive, but his lack of experience at third base will probably keep him in the minors at least through July. There is an outside shot he makes some spot starts down the stretch for Houston, but ultimately he’s looking like a 2017 arrival – and he’ll be here to stay.

Chances he’s the answer: 15 to 1

Next: Potential Solution #5

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