Astros still interested in re-signing Alex Bregman despite offseason acquisitions

Alex Bregman remains the biggest prize still on the market during MLB free agency. While Houston’s offseason moves, which include signing first baseman Christian Walker and trade for infielder Isaac Paredesmay have indicated that Bregman is unlikely to return to the Astros, the team remains interested in retaining the two-time All-Star.

The Astros held their annual FanFest on Saturday, where general manager Dana Brown, manager Joe Espada and teammate José Altuve addressed their hope of keeping Bregman in Houston while he remains a free agent, although they face some challenges in doing so.

“The interesting thing is that when we made some trades and some moves this offseason, we never realized that Bregman would still be on the market right now,” Brown said Saturday, according to MLB.com Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart. “I think we’ve had some conversations and I can leave it at that. As I mentioned, the interesting thing is that it is still available. It’s not that we’re not talking about it. “We’ve had some conversations.”

Houston offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million contract at the start of the offseason, as the nine-year veteran remains unsigned. Despite the Astros’ offseason moves, the team wouldn’t say “no” if Bregman decided to accept the offer at this time. according to a report by McTaggart.

To retain Bregman, Houston would need to move positions on a now-crowded roster and shed some salary to make a potential deal work.

“Obviously, there are some obstacles to overcome, but I remain optimistic,” Espada said via MLB.com. “He’s still out there, he’s still available. “I would love to have him back.”

Sword mentioned last week that “the door is still open” as long as Bregman remains a free agent. Altuve, Bregman’s teammate for nine seasons, also campaigned to return to Houston at the end of last season, and continues to do so.

“As a teammate, I want him back,” Altuve said Saturday also via MLB.com. “I said it. He’s a big part of our team. He’ll definitely make this team better if he stays, so we’re really praying and hoping he stays.”

According Another report from McTaggart on Saturday.Altuve mentioned that he is willing to move from second base to left field to make room in the infield in case Bregman returns.

Other teams remain interested in signing Bregman, including the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers, who MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported were the Most likely landing sites for Bregman earlier this month.

Although Houston’s offseason complicated a potential deal with Bregman, the team appears willing to do whatever it takes to make it work, in case the veteran Astro feels the same way.

Bregman, 30, had a solid 2024 campaign, culminating in his first Gold Glove. Last season, he posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs.