Astros and Alex Bregman Reignite Contract Negotiations Amid Potential Infield Shuffle
A reunion between Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros could be on the horizon, as the team has reopened discussions with the star third baseman after prior indications suggested his time in Houston had come to an end.
Negotiation Breakdown and Infield Overhaul
According to The Athletic’s MLB insider Chandler Rome, the Astros initially appeared to have moved on from Bregman after he rejected a six-year, $156 million contract extension earlier this offseason. Following his rejection, Houston made significant moves to reconfigure their infield, including trading for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes in a deal involving Kyle Tucker and the Chicago Cubs.
The Astros also signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract, solidifying an infield lineup featuring Walker at first base, Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Peña at shortstop, and Paredes taking over at third base.
However, with Bregman back in the mix, the Astros face the challenge of reshuffling their infield to accommodate his potential return.
Altuve Advocates for Bregman’s Return
Jose Altuve, Houston’s longtime second baseman and former American League MVP, has reportedly been a strong advocate for retaining Bregman. Chandler Rome noted that Altuve approached Astros owner Jim Crane during October to stress Bregman’s value to the organization.
“Throughout October, second baseman Jose Altuve pleaded with Crane and the Astros’ front office to retain Bregman, a player he said ‘made this entire organization better than where we actually were before him,’” Rome wrote.
Crane acknowledged Altuve’s input, stating that it holds significant weight with him and general manager Dana Brown.
Potential Infield Realignment
If the Astros and Bregman agree to terms, the team’s infield configuration will likely see a significant shakeup. Bregman would return to his natural position at third base, displacing Paredes, who would move to second base—a role he has experience playing. This shift would require Altuve to take on a new position, potentially moving to left field.
Such a transition would be a major adjustment for Altuve, who has spent his entire 14-year MLB career playing second base or shortstop. While Altuve’s defensive metrics at second base have declined over the past two seasons, Paredes, who is nine years younger, has made 53 starts at second base in his career and could bring fresher legs to the position.
Rome noted, “Altuve has never played a major-league inning anywhere but second base or shortstop, but his range and defensive metrics have gradually declined at second base across the past two seasons. Paredes…has 53 major-league starts at second base.”
The Path Forward
Bregman’s return would not only strengthen Houston’s lineup but also maintain the veteran leadership he has provided since joining the team in 2016. A two-time All-Star and cornerstone of the Astros’ World Series-winning squads in 2017 and 2022, Bregman has been a pivotal figure in the franchise’s success.
Although negotiations remain ongoing, Altuve’s advocacy for Bregman underscores his importance to the team’s culture and performance. If a deal is reached, Houston must ensure a smooth infield transition that maximizes the team’s defensive and offensive strengths.
For now, the Astros’ fans will eagerly await further updates on whether Bregman’s reunion with the team will become a reality and, if so, how the infield dynamic will shift to accommodate his return.
