Alex Bregman, the talented third baseman for the Houston Astros, has been recognized for his outstanding defensive performance in the 2024 season by winning his first Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Despite being a veteran in the MLB with nine seasons under his belt, the 30-year-old player showcased exceptional skills in the field throughout the year.
Bregman’s achievement marks him as the only player from the Astros to receive this prestigious award at his position this season. His defensive prowess was not only evident to fans but also supported by fielding metrics. In 2024, Bregman recorded a career-best Outs Above Average mark of six, according to FanGraphs. Additionally, he prevented more runs than all but one American League third baseman, Jazz Chisholm, based on Statcast metrics.
The infielders, coaches, and manager of the Houston Astros praised Bregman’s consistent and reliable defensive play, emphasizing his role as a cornerstone for the team amid challenges such as injuries and subpar performances. Paired with Jeremy Peña, another defensive standout, Bregman helped solidify the left side of the Astros’ infield as one of the best in the league.
Looking ahead, the future of Bregman with the Astros remains uncertain as he enters free agency. With his exceptional skills and leadership qualities, Bregman is expected to attract interest from multiple teams, potentially securing a lucrative deal. However, many believe that Houston’s success, including their dynasty in recent years, is closely tied to Bregman’s presence on the team. Retaining him could be crucial for the Astros’ continued competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.
As Bregman adds another accolade to his resume with the Gold Glove Award, the pressure is on for the Astros’ management to make a compelling case for him to stay in Houston. With his contributions on the field and in the clubhouse, Bregman remains a key figure in the Astros’ success and a player worth investing in for the long term.
