“Could Give a Sh*t”: Alex Bregman Slams Doubters Despite Houston Astros’ Horror Start

7-19 is a signal of a lot of things for the Houston Astros. It’s a signal that they’re close to becoming irrelevant this season. More importantly, it’s a sign that things need to change in their clubhouse. However, while the Astros are like a shadow of their former selves, one player in particular is getting far more criticism than anyone else. That player is the about-to-be free agent, Alex Bregman.

Though this slow start is a unique situation for the Astros, the same cannot be said about Bregman. The star has always been a slow starter—that’s something that he hasn’t solved since his debut. But usually, his start gets covered by all the impressive attacking talent around the squad. But this season things are different, and suddenly Bregman’s sluggish beginnings are getting highlighted. Now that fans are questioning his form, the slugger has given a stern message to all the doubters.

During an interview with The Athletic, Alex Bregman talked about his struggles and walk year. The fact that he’s about to enter free agency isn’t hidden from anyone. For a player to be in such bad form right before entering the market is the worst-case scenario. However, Bregman isn’t taking any pressure, “I find zero pressure in regards to playing in a contract year.  I play the game to be an elite player in the game,” Bregman said. “I could give a sh*t about anything but playing at a high level.”

Later, Bregman said that the only pressure he feels is the pressure he puts on himself to play well. But while the star slugger is quite optimistic, his performances aren’t impressing anyone. With a .216 batting average and just .566 OPS, this is one of the worst starts of Bregman’s career. 

But what’s more shocking is that only 16 qualified hitters have a lower slugging percentage than Bregman’s .273. The star hasn’t hit any home runs in 88 at-bats, and that is concerning. Especially because the Houston Astros’ season could be ending even before it properly began.

Can Alex Bregman repeat history and help the Houston Astros in their resurrection?

Alex Bregman has been in this position before. He has been starting slowly since the beginning of his career, but the star always bounces back. In 2022 and 2023, he started the seasons with sub- .800 OPS but then ended up with a number much above it. The Astros would wish for Bregman to do something similar once again. Especially because history isn’t on their side.

Since 1901, only one team has made it to the playoffs after losing 19 games. That team was the 1914 World Series-winning Boston Braves. Apart from this, only three teams have finished with a winning record ever since. One can see clearly just how big of a mountain there is to climb for the Astronauts. Can they climb that mountain, or is a crash imminent? 

Certainly, nobody expected the Astros to face this fate when the season began. But then, such is baseball, because anything can happen at any moment. So now, with the Astros fans looking anxious, Alex Bregman and the team have a big fight on their hands.