Astros: Alex Bregman and A.J. Reed, Best Long-Term Value?

Two Astros Rookies Make MLB.com’s Top-30 Long-Term Value by Jim Callis.

Before the 2016 MLB season, Astros fans were ready to go all-in on A.J. Reed after his 2015 breakout season. Alex Bregman was seen as an important piece for the future, but it was hard to see him having too much impact in 2016. Jim Callis came onto Talking Stros this past offseason to discuss this very thing.

On the show, Callis justified his decision to rank Bregman ahead of Reed. Bregman was one of those players who could become a star player in his opinion, while Reed would be good, he might struggle originally. Callis felt that Bregman was an all-around player who will help the Astros in the future. He stuck by his stance when he returned to Talking Stros mid-season, but at that point, everyone knew who Bregman was.

With Bregman’s season basically over with a strained hamstring, fans can only look to the future. This is what Callis did in an article where he ranked the Top-30 rookies in 2016 by their future value. With the love Callis has shown Bregman, it was obvious that he would make the list. However, to the surprise of most fans, Reed made the list as well.

Callis’ Top-30 Rookies based on long-term value.

#2 – Bregman

#29 – Reed

Looking at the players on this list, there are some good players that Bregman ranks higher than. Slugging Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez ranks tenth, Nomar Mazara ranks eighth, and slugging shortstop Trevor Story ranks 16th. Everyone saw Bregman becoming a great player, but most people around baseball are surprised with his power.

Below is a quote from Callis on Bregman.

His bat and makeup are beyond reproach, and his power and defensive versatility are better than expected. – Jim Callis.

While Bregman can hold his own at third base, he looks very fluid as a shortstop. For now, he is the Astros third baseman for now, but I could see him and Carlos Correa eventually switching roles.

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Reed has not had the best start to his MLB career, but the potential is still there. He maybe just a slow starter. Some feel that he is a little heavier than he should be, so he could maybe look into how Tyler White lost his weight this season. As can be seen with Jon Singleton, a player only has so many shots before the team moves on.

I am not comparing Reed to Singleton, A.J. Hinch will give Reed every chance to win first base out of spring training. With both players under team control for a while, the Astros are in good hands. Just imagine how deep this lineup could be if Reed performs.

Next: Injury Update on Bregman, McCullers, and Keuchel.

Let’s hope that Callis is right and Reed is a big contributor down the road. I still believe!

***Stats from Baseball-Reference***