The race to sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman appears to be down to five teams: the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays.
While all five teams have been linked to Bregman throughout the offseason, only one will ultimately secure his services for the 2025 season and beyond.
Astros Viewed as Favorites to Re-Sign Bregman
According to Michael Shapiro of the Houston Chronicle, the Astros remain the frontrunners in the Bregman sweepstakes.
“This may seem like an oversimplification, but consider this: If another team was willing to significantly exceed Houston’s reported $156 million offer, wouldn’t they have done so already? What’s causing the delay?” Shapiro wrote. “Both New York teams are reportedly out of the running. The Dodgers have already made their big moves this offseason. And the remaining teams mentioned—Detroit, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto—aren’t believed to be surpassing Houston’s current offer. This has led to an unusual stalemate as February approaches.”
Shapiro added that Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, is unlikely to settle for a deal below their initial asking price, and Bregman himself might feel reluctant to accept a lower offer. However, Houston general manager Dana Brown has left the door open for a return, which suggests the Astros are preparing to bring back their longtime third baseman and clubhouse leader.
Why Houston Has the Edge
At this point, it seems unlikely that another team will step up with the $180 million to $200 million contract Bregman is reportedly seeking. If the Tigers, Red Sox, Cubs, or Blue Jays were willing to make that kind of commitment, they probably would have done so by now.
Houston, meanwhile, has created some payroll flexibility by trading closer Ryan Pressly, further signaling their intent to re-sign Bregman.
Could There Still Be a Surprise?
While the Astros seem to have the inside track, nothing is certain in free agency. The Arizona Diamondbacks recently pulled off a shocking trade for Corbin Burnes, showing that unexpected moves can still happen. If another team suddenly decides to up its offer, the Bregman sweepstakes could take an unexpected turn.
For now, though, all signs point to a reunion between Bregman and the Astros.
