The Houston Astros have been keeping the door open for a reunion with one of their franchise staples, but only at a limited cost.
As the Astros’ two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman continues to linger on the free agent market, coach Joe Espanda recently told Nate Griffin of FOX 26 Houston that their “arms are still open” to bringing him back. The team has offered Bregman a contract worth about $156 million over six years, per MLB.com, and that could still be on the table.
But Patrick McAvoy of On SI predicted Bregman will instead sign a “nine-figure deal” with the Boston Red Sox.
“Bregman makes too much sense for Boston and manager Alex Cora has made it clear how much he loves him,” McAvoy wrote. “Maybe, the Red Sox are just playing hardball. Boston needs to add a big piece and Bregman easily could be that guy but it will cost nine figures.”
With a career slash line of .272/.366/.483 across nine seasons, plus a Silver Slugger Award and a Gold Glove Award to go with his All-Star bids, Bregman is one of the most accomplished free agents still on the market. In his time with the Astros, he has logged 88 hits and 63 runs in 99 playoff games as well.
He’s also been an elite option at a premier defensive position, with a .968 career fielding percentage at third base. If the Red Sox were to sign him, they’d have the option to move franchise slugger Rafael Devers to first base, which might be a better fit. Though Bregman should be open to a defensive move as well.
At this point, the potential fit between Bregman and the Red Sox could be too strong for the team to ignore.
“There have been too many rumors for the Red Sox to let Bregman go,” McAvoy added. “If Bregman signs elsewhere, there will be turmoil across Red Sox Nation.”
If the Astros do lose Bregman to a nine-figure deal elsewhere, they will likely slot in recent trade acquisition Isaac Paredes at third base. However, if he’s open to returning at the standing price without a better offer somewhere else, Bregman could still return to the hot corner for more years to come.
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