Son of Houston Astros' Legend Could Become Replacement For Franchise Star
There's a good chance that the Houston Astros could finish the 2024 season with their franchise's third World Series title.
They're still in the middle of their dynasty and have shown no signs of slowing down despite the disappointing ending to their year last season.
Upgrades were made in the winter by the front office and owner that gives this team the best possible chance of making a deep playoff run.
But when the year is over, another franchise star could be leaving.
Alex Bregman is scheduled to hit free agency, and based on the lack of communication or offers between the two parties, it seems like it's a given that he will be one of the best players available on the open market.
That does not bode well for the Astros.
Unless, of course, they plan on letting Bregman walk in free agency just like they let Gerrit Cole, George Springer and Carlos Correa leave as well.
Owner Jim Crane is known for not handing out long-term lucrative contracts, even to his own players. That's why the deal for Josh Hader and extension for Jose Altuve was considered out of character.
He might have just made an exception in those cases.
The play of Houston's star prospects will certainly help ease the decision to let Bregman walk in free agency.
It worked with Correa as Jeremy Pena immediately stepped in during his rookie season to replace him and became a major factor in them winning the World Series in 2022.
One player the Astros have their eye on is Will Wagner.
The son of franchise legend Billy Wagner is No. 15 in their farm system according to MLB Pipeline. He's the much-less hyped prospect than Zach Dezenzo, who's ranked at No. 5.
Both play the same position and many view Dezenzo as the Bregman replacement.
However, there are people in the organization who view Wagner as much more ready for the bigs than his fellow minor leaguer.
"Some in the organization believe Wagner could have cracked the major-league bench last season," writes Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
The 25-year-old put together a monstrous season across three affiliate levels, including Triple-A, with a slash line of .337/.420/.518, seven home runs, 29 extra-base hits and 38 RBI before an injury to his Hamate bone in June forced him to get surgery.
Scouts view Wagner's range as limited at third base, so maybe that ultimately prevents him from being the true replacement, but Bregman's bat will also need to be replaced and it seems like Wagner could be the answer.
