HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- Astros general manager Dana Brown said Saturday the team has re-engaged in talks with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, but called it a “long shot” the two sides would be able to come to an agreement.
“I would say (the door) is cracked,” Brown said. “It's the fact that he's still available, it just makes it interesting. Like, man, this guy is such a good player. He's done so many wonderful things here, so we'll stick with the cracked door and see what our conversations lead to.”
Brown called re-signing Bregman his “priority” during December’s winter meetings, but pivoted away from the two-time All-Star and 2024 Gold Glove winner after offering him a six-year, $156 million contract, signing first baseman Christian Walker in free agency and acquiring another corner infielder, Isaac Paredes, from the Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade instead.
Not only do the Astros no longer have an open spot in their infield, the moves they've made have them right at the brink of Major League's Competitive Balance Tax.
“We made some moves and some trades and solidified our top five in our lineup,” Brown said. “It's probably a long shot, but the fact that he's a free agent, we'll have discussions about him like we have discussions about every other free agent.”
Brown was adamant that Bregman would reclaim his spot at third base if he does return.
"That's his home,” Brown said. “He puts on clinics when he's playing third base. He's probably just as special as anybody there, so I can't picture him playing anywhere else but third base."
In order for Bregman to play third base, the Astros would have to move someone to the outfield. Walker and Jeremy Peña have won Gold Gloves at first base and shortstop respectively and Paredes has never played the outfield.
That leaves Jose Altuve as the most likely candidate to move positions, though it’s not something that has been brought up with the Astros current second baseman.
“(Jose) will do whatever it takes to win,” Astros manager Joe Espada said. “(Jose) wants to win, and I respect his willingness to do whatever it takes for us to win.”
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