Astros pitchers and catchers report as Bregman signs with Red Sox

Baseball is so back. Photo: Megan Briggs/Getty Images

The Astros’ pitchers and catchers report to West Palm Beach, Florida, on Thursday to kick off preseason preparations for Houston’s 2025 campaign.

And when the full squad meets next week, it will be without All Star free agent Alex Bregman, who signed with the Boston Red Sox late Wednesday, per The Athletic.

Why it matters: Houston is hoping to return to the playoffs after being swept by the Detroit Tigers in the wild card round last season.

That ended a streak of seven consecutive appearances in the American League Championship Series.

The latest: Bregman ended a months-long standoff with Houston’s front office Wednesday, agreeing to a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston.

State of the team: Astros leadership made several other roster changes in the offseason.

Outfielder Kyle Tucker was traded away to the Chicago Cubs for three other players in December, with relief pitcher Ryan Pressly also traded to the Cubs in January.
The team also lost free agent pitchers Justin Verlander (San Francisco Giants), Yusei Kikuchi (Los Angeles Angels) and Caleb Ferguson (Pittsburgh Pirates).

What we’re watching: The rest of the Astros squad reports Feb. 18.