Astros’ Door ‘Cracked’ Open for Alex Bregman Reunion, GM Says

HOUSTON — The Houston Astros are keeping the door slightly open for a potential reunion with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, though general manager Dana Brown acknowledged Saturday that re-signing the two-time All-Star remains a long shot.

Speaking at the team’s fan fest, Brown revealed that the Astros have had positive discussions with Bregman, who has spent his entire nine-year career with Houston. “The interesting thing is, when we made some trades and some moves this offseason, we never realized that Bregman would still be on the market at this time,” Brown said. “We’ve had some conversations, and I could kind of leave it there, but we’ve had some conversations.”

Bregman, 30, is coming off a Gold Glove-winning season and remains one of the most sought-after free agents. Brown described the possibility of re-signing him as a “cracked” door, emphasizing the infielder’s value to the team. “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,” Brown said.

If Bregman returns, it would create a crowded infield situation. The Astros traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the New York Yankees for infielder Gleyber Torres and signed free-agent first baseman Rhys Hoskins this offseason. Brown confirmed that Bregman would reclaim his spot at third base, potentially displacing newcomer Isaac Paredes, who was initially slated for the position.

Manager Joe Espada has maintained contact with Bregman throughout the offseason, expressing his desire for the infielder to remain in Houston. “I tell him all the time … this is home,” Espada said. “I understand the process. You sit down with your family, you’re trying to do what’s best for you, your family, and your kids. But this is home, and this is his family.”

Bregman’s potential return could also impact second baseman Jose Altuve, who has played the position for his entire 14-year career. Altuve, a cornerstone of the Astros, has expressed willingness to adjust his role to accommodate Bregman. “Alex, he’s one of the best players in the whole league, but he’s definitely one of the best players on the team, so we want him to stay,” Altuve said. “So whatever I have to do for him to stay, I’m willing to do it.”

Despite the optimism, Brown cautioned that re-signing Bregman is far from guaranteed. “Our group is pretty set,” he said. “We made some moves and some trades and solidified our top five in our lineup, and so it’s a long shot, but the fact that [Bregman’s] a free agent, we’ll have discussions about him like we have discussions about every other free agent.”

Bregman’s market remains active, with teams like the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers reportedly showing interest. The Astros have also explored contingency plans, including former All-Star infielder Jorge Polanco, in case a deal with Bregman falls through.

As the offseason progresses, the Astros’ pursuit of Bregman will be closely watched, with fans and teammates alike hoping for a reunion. “I thought he’s going to be back for sure,” Altuve said. “Then I thought he’s not coming back for sure. Now I’m like, OK, in the middle.”