The Houston Astros haven’t remained in the background of MLB rumors this winter for a potential re-signing of Alex Bregman. Amid conflicting reports regarding who is the favorite to land the All-Star third baseman, there is some promising Astros news with spring training approaching.
Bregman entered MLB free agency as one of the best players available, hoping to land a contract north of $200 million in total value. Houston maxed its offer out at $156 million over six years, a sizeable gap in negotiations that fueled speculation about a potential departure.
With the Gold Glove Award winner still available in late January, Astros rumors re-surfaced about a potential reunion. Houston even seemed to be emerging as the favorite again until general manager Dana Brown threw cold water on the likelihood of a deal.
However, when the team traded relief pitcher Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs to free up some payroll obligations there seemed to be renewed hope for a reunion. That was immediately followed by MLB rumors all pointing to the Cubs, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox each emerging as strong options for Bregman.
Now, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Astros have bumped up their offer to Bregman. While specifics aren’t provided on whether the average annual value or the total value of the deal was increased, Houston did strengthen its standing contract offer to a fan favorite.
- Houston Astors payroll 2025 (FanGraphs): $218 million
There remains significant support for Bregman to return to Houston among fans and ownership. The Astros would potentially move Jose Altuve, who has campaigned hard for re-signing his teammate, to left field with Bregman likely taking over at second base.
Unfortunately for the team, even its improved offer reportedly isn’t enough as of now to entice Bregman to sign. The Tigers have recently ramped up their efforts to reunite manager A.J. Hinch with his former third baseman and Chicago now has former teammates (Pressly and Kyle Tucker) to campaign for a deal.
Related: Latest MLB rumors on Houston Astros’ top competition for Alex Bregman
While Pete Alonso re-signing with the New York Mets offers some hope that the Astros will eventually be able to bring back their All-Star hitter, there’s far more competition for Bregman and that could ultimately push negotiations out of Houston’s price range.
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