Top prospect BREGMAN makes Astros debut against Yanks
Rapid ascent culminates in Bregman’s majors debut
The latest franchise cornerstone to debut for the Astros smiled and laughed his way around the clubhouse for much of his first afternoon as a major leaguer.
A team infused with young talent indoctrinated a new member Monday, but it will ask Alex Bregman only to do his part.
Unlike fellow former first-round draft picks George Springer and Carlos Correa, Bregman will not need to carry the Astros upon his arrival. They are dangerous offensively, contending and in the thick of the American League West and wild-card races.
But the polished 22-year-old with the quick, compact swing and revered work ethic has the potential to make their lineup that much better.
“You dream about getting to the big leagues, and you dream about playing in the postseason,” Bregman said before his 0-for-4 night in the Astros’ 2-1 loss to the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. “You can tell all of these guys are excited to be here, excited to go out and compete every day. I’m just going to try and be another guy in
the clubhouse that’s trying to push to win games.”
Eventually, perhaps soon, Bregman should emerge as much more than “just another guy in the clubhouse.” Built readymade for the two-hole that bridges Springer and Jose Altuve, Bregman began his major league career batting sixth in the Astros’ lineup, like Correa last summer before his bat swiftly became too much to compress.
Bregman, who debuted as a third baseman, could follow a similar path. Monday’s hype probably even exceeded that attached to the debuts of his top-prospect predecessors.
No lack of confidence
A standing ovation greeted Bregman as he stepped into the batter’s box for the first time in the second inning. It returned for the duration of his atbat in the sixth, when with the bases loaded and two out he flew out to the warning track in right field. He struck out twice, including in the ninth against Yankees closer Andrew Miller.
“I feel like I definitely can hit at this level,” Bregman said. “I just missed a few pitches today. … The best part about playing this game is you get to play it again tomorrow.”
The highlights of Bregman’s debut came on nifty defensive plays in each of the first two innings. In the second, he smoothly backhanded a Mark Teixeira chopper down the line and threw across his body for a perfect strike to first.
The natural shortstop appeared just fine at third base. He will garner most of his starts there and in left field.
“I thought he was exceptional on defense,” manager A.J. Hinch said, “at a position that he hadn’t played too many innings at.”
It was appropriate Bregman debuted against the sport’s most storied franchise. Although he didn’t pull for a particular team growing up in Albuquerque, N.M., Bregman rooted against the Yankees with his father, Sam, as contrarians to his mother, Jackie, a Long Island, N.Y. native.
Even so, Bregman idolized Derek Jeter. That’s why, in addition to his draft slot, Bregman chose No. 2 for his Astros uniform. One of the Bregmans’ two family Labradors is named Jeter. (The other is Koufax.)
“Just because he was ‘The Captain,’ ” Bregman said. “He loved winning, and he was clutch.”
Bregman set out last offeason, his first as a pro, to ensure himself a chance at winning meaningful games this fall. Compared to the front office’s expectations entering the spring, his July 25 arrival was well ahead of schedule. He played 146 minor league games before matriculating to the majors.
“Typically, there’s a certain number of at-bats that you need in the minor leagues to be ready for this level,” general manager Jeff Luhnow said. “Maybe he’s the exception.”
Bregman expedited his path with a remarkable display in Class AA and Class AAA. A drastic increase in power — from four home runs in 272 atbats last year to 20 homers in 314 at-bats this season — boosted his touted prospect profile.
Offseason workouts
Bregman attributes his power surge to his offseason preparation. He added 20 pounds of muscle, tweaked his swing mechanics with respect to how his hands started, and altered his approach at the plate. As opposed to high school and college guidance to hit the ball on the ground or on a line, Bregman worked to increase his lift on balls to the pull side.
“Nobody works harder. Nobody is more driven. Nobody is more passionate about the game,” said LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri, who has coached 24 major leaguers. “He’s got the tools. He’s got the makeup. … The speed at which he’s gotten here has even surpassed what I expected. But man, you’ve got to give the kid credit. What he did this year in the minor leagues has been nothing short of extraordinary.”
Family and friends
Mainieri was part of a contingent of more than 50 family members and close friends of Bregman’s who filled section 122 on Monday. Bregman’s parents flew from New Mexico. So did Jason Columbus, Bregman’s longtime hitting coach, who after first instructing him eight years ago went home and told his wife he had just worked with a future big leaguer.
“A lot of people talk about how it’s talent that gets you someplace. And certainly, Alex and all the ballplayers that reach this level have talent,” Sam Bregman said. “But Alex Bregman, all the way back since he was a freshman in high school, when other kids were hanging out with their buddies or going to the movies with a girl, he was in the cage. He was working every single day to live this dream that he is experiencing tonight.”