Houston Astros star named among baseball’s six ‘most overrated’ by peers

The Houston Astros were unable to complete a much-needed sweep this weekend, losing 9-7 to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. They have some ground to make up after starting the season the way they did, currently 30-36.

At 6.5 games out of first place in the American League West and 4.5 games out of a Wild Card spot, the Astros need to move on.

This season has been disrupted by injuries, a disappointing situation considering this could be the last time some players don a Houston jersey. At first glance, this player could be Alex Bregman.

A two-time World Series champion, Bregman contributed greatly to the team’s success over the better part of the last decade. However, he struggled a bit this season, slashing .237/.303/.407 with a 103 OPS+.

These would all be career lows if they continued.

Due to his declining play, the Astros being in the position they are in, and him hitting free agency at the end of the season, there has been some buzz that he might be dealt.

His return wouldn’t be what it once was, mostly within his contract, so it will be a tough decision for the front office to make.

However, baseball players don’t view Bregman as someone who should get a big package in return, ranking him among the top six “most overrated” players in a baseball poll released Monday by The Athletic.

Bregman was on the list with Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Rendon, Carlos Correa, Tim Anderson and others.

According to The Athletic, some players did not want to answer the question, so the answer only received 59 votes.

“Several players we interviewed said they would hesitate to call anyone at the professional level overrated.”

Calling Bregman overrated is interesting for several different reasons. He was part of a dynasty and successful most seasons. Even in a bad year for the right-handed hitter, he usually manages to hit 20+ home runs and post a 125 OPS+.

His play this season warrants some concern, but that could be because the entire team is struggling and trying to impress before he hits free agency.

The 30-year-old New Mexico native has a career slash line of .272/.369/.482 with 174 home runs in 3,817 at-bats.