Alex Bregmans free agency takes Astros twist

Alex Bregman could be headed for an Astros reunion after all. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Thursday that Houston is “keeping the door ajar” to potentially re-sign the star third baseman. The Athletic added that talks have resumed between the two sides.The latest news comes a month after Astros general manager Dana Brown said talks “stalled” with Bregman, who has spent his entire nine-year big league career in Houston. At the time, Brown had appeared ready to move on from the two-time All-Star, saying Isaac Paredes, who was acquired in the Kyle Tucker trade, and Christian Walker, who signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Astros in December, would play third and first base, respectively. But now, the Astros appeared poised to move Parades to second base and Jose Altuve to left field if they were to bring back Bregman, Nightengale reported. According to The Athletic, the Astros’ long-standing offer of a reported six years and $156 million is still on the table, although it is unclear if Bregman is willing to come down from his higher asking price. The Red Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers and others also have registered interest in Bregman at points during the offseason. The Mets and Yankees were also once thought to be potential fits for Bregman before their respective big-money additions earlier this winter. Bregman, a first-time Gold Glove winner at third last season, hit .260 with a .768 OPS, 26 home runs and 75 RBIs for the Astros in 2024. He has won two World Series with the franchise and has long been seen as a leader in the Astros’ clubhouse.The Astros have made the postseason in all eight seasons since Bregman’s sophomore year in 2017....