Astros notes from GM meetings

SAN ANTONIO — Astros’ General Manager Dana Brown spoke for more than 40 minutes Tuesday in San Antonio at the MLB General Manager Meetings.

The Astros have a clear top priority: re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman.

Here’s a rundown of the most interesting things Brown said, along with some things I heard talking to league sources.

CONFIDENCE ABOUT BREGMAN

Dana Brown expressed his confidence Tuesday that the Astros can re-sign Bregman.

“I think we have a really good chance,” Brown said when asked about the team’s chances.

Brown added that he is currently preparing the team as if Bregman were to return. Brown also noted that he has had several productive conversations with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, and the dialogue will continue.

THE OTHER NEEDS

Aside from the top priority, Bregman, Brown noted these other needs for the team:

• Upgrade at 1st base

• Add a left-handed hitting outfielder

• Upgrade the bullpen

• Keep an eye out for starting pitching

CHAS VULTS OVER JAKE MEYERS ON THE DEPTH CHART

The Astros are set in right field, with Kyle Tucker signed through 2025. The other two positions are mostly up for grabs (Yordan Alvarez will continue to play left field).

Astros expect tender contracts for both Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers. Brown noted that McCormick is above Meyers on the depth chart, given his ability to hit. McCormick had a poor year in 2024, hitting just .211 with 5 home runs. In his previous three seasons, McCormick averaged an OPS+ of 117 (17% above league average as a hitter), including his breakout 2023 in which he hit .273 with 22 home runs and an .842 OPS. McCormick was among the leaders in the league in hitting fastballs per. Statcast measurements in both 2022 and 2023.

A Gold Glove-caliber defender in center field, Meyers earned a nomination for the award in 2024. Meyers has struggled to hit consistently and has a .292 on-base percentage in more than 1,100 plate appearances.

Brown noted that while Meyers has the better glove, the combination of McCormick’s hitting ability and good glove is the better package, and a player who is now higher on the depth chart.

THINGS I HEARD

The Astros have begun exploring trading reliever Ryan Pressly, a league source told KPRC 2. Pressly has a no-trade clause and can block a trade if he wants to. The right-hander will make $14 million in 2025, and the Astros are looking for creative ways to manage salary under the luxury tax while adding players to help the team win.

Brown mentioned Tuesday that any trade the Astros make in which they give up an MLB player, they want at least two MLB-level players in return. He did not specify which players the Astros are making available in trade talks. If the Astros were to move him, it would likely be to a team where Pressly could be the closer.