Astros Shy Away trom Alex Bregman's Contract Due to MLB the Show Rating

Remember when we thought baseball contracts were about stats, performance, and maybe a little bit of charm? Well, throw that out the window because, apparently, video game ratings are now part of the equation.

According to the one and only Jeff Passan, the Houston Astros are reportedly hesitant to offer Alex Bregman more than a 6-year contract. Why? Because of his speculated 87 rating in MLB The Show 25. Yes, you read that right, folks. We've officially entered the era where your digital stats might be more important than your actual on-field stats.

Now, let's break this down. Alex Bregman, a third baseman who has been nothing short of spectacular for the Astros, has been a key player in their successes, including that magical 2017 World Series win (and no, we're not talking about the sign-stealing drama here, that's a whole different FAX). But here we are, discussing how his virtual self might be dictating his real-world future.

An 87 rating in MLB The Show 25 isn't bad, mind you. It's just not the 99 that some might expect for a player of Bregman's caliber. But should this really be the deciding factor for a contract? Are we now in a world where your digital avatar's stats are more scrutinized than your actual performance?

The Astros, known for their analytics-driven approach to the game, might just be taking this too far. Imagine the team meeting where someone says, "Well, his OBP is great, but have you seen his fielding in MLB The Show? It's just not a championship-caliber 87."

Fans are already in an uproar on social media. Some are calling it a new low for baseball analytics, while others are jokingly asking if they can negotiate their own contracts based on their performance in 'Road to the Show' mode.

But let's not forget, this is @MLBONFAX, where we bring you the news with a side of skepticism. Is this really about an 87 rating, or is there more to the story? Could it be a strategic leak by the Astros to lower expectations or even a playful jab by Passan at the game's influence on baseball culture?

Whatever the truth, one thing's clear: if your career's future hangs on your video game avatar, maybe it's time to start practicing with that controller as much as with the bat.