Houston Astros

The Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers "are considered among the strongest bidders" for free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

Sean McAdam of Mass Live reported that news Tuesday, citing a "source with knowledge of his free agent process."

Bregman, who is entering his age-31 season, is a nine-year MLB veteran. He's played his entire career with the Astros, winning two World Series and making two All-Star Games.

Last year, Bregman hit .260 (.768 OPS) to go along with 26 home runs and 75 RBI. He also won his first-ever Gold Glove.

All four teams have been connected to Bregman in some capacity before.

"...One of the players the Red Sox might immediately be prioritizing is Alex Bregman," Rob Bradford of WEEI Radio wrote.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that the Yankees were expected to "make a run" at Bregman.

The Astros want Bregman back and offered a six-year contract "worth around $156 million," per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. However, the reporter added that Bregman "is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million."

MLB Trade Rumors notably predicted Bregman to get a seven-year, $182 million contract back in November.

Detroit seems the least likely of the four to make a move. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Detroit's interest in Bregman but stated he might be might be "pricey" for the team.

Ultimately, Bregman should likely get a deal closer to $200 million, especially with a few heavy hitters involved with money to burn after not getting Soto. He also stands as one of the top free agents left as the dominoes continue to fall after Soto chose the Mets and the Winter Meetings continue.

The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs "have shown interest" in Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker amid the MLB winter meetings in Dallas, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

Tucker has one year remaining under arbitration before he is scheduled to hit free agency in 2026. The Astros would be "comfortable" with him playing out the contract in Houston, per Morosi.

Tucker was sidelined for three months of the 2024 season with a fractured shin. He still earned his third straight All-Star nod while slashing .289/.408/.585 with 23 home runs and 49 RBI in 78 games.

The Astros star was one of the most efficient home-run hitters in the MLB during his shortened season. As noted by the MLB network, Tucker recorded one home run per 14.7 plate appearances last season, ranking him third only to the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge and Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani.

That could make him an appealing candidate for the Yankees as the club works on replacing Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking deal with the New York Mets this weekend after recording a career-high 41 home runs in 2024.

The Cubs, meanwhile, are reportedly considering trading Cody Bellinger and could use Tucker to replace him in the lineup should they complete a deal for the outfielder.

When asked about whether the Astros would listen to trades for either Tucker or pitcher Framber Valdez, general manager Dana Brown told reporters on Monday that the club will "listen on anybody" (h/t Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle.)

"If it doesn't make sense, we wouldn't do it," Brown said on Monday, per Kawahara. "So it really would have to make sense. Because right now we're a good team, and we're not motivated to move any of these guys."

Brown added: "We will not make any trades that don't make sense in terms of winning the division, getting back to the postseason and all that. We're not trying to break the team down. So the trade would have to make sense in that we're not weakening our club."

There is still a "higher chance" that the Astros decide to keep Tucker in their batting order than trade him ahead of the 2025 season, Morosi said on the MLB Network broadcast.

But Morosi noted that free-agent prices are "high" this season, and that could encourage more interest in trades. Brown will have to decide if the increasing market prices lead to any offers worth losing the final season on Tucker's deal.

Tucker has played all seven seasons of his MLB career in Houston and helped the team win the World Series in 2022. Should he leave this winter the Astros would be left with a gap to address in their batting lineup and outfield.

The Houston Astros are reportedly open to hearing trade offers for two of their players this offseason.

Per The Athletic's Chandler Rome, Houston is "receiving trade inquiries" about outfielder Kyle Tucker and is open to dealing him along with starting pitcher Framber Valdez.

"Multiple people familiar with the club's thinking said (general manager Dana) Brown is open to dealing one of Tucker or starter Framber Valdez, both of whom are set to make more than $15 million during their final trip through the arbitration process," Rome wrote.

Astros general manager Dana Brown made it clear Houston isn't in a rush to trade anyone but is willing to listen to offers from other teams.

"We're not trying to aggressively move anybody out the door, but if someone wants to talk, that's part of being at the Winter Meetings," Brown said, per Rome. "Sometimes guys will think outside the box and say, 'Hey would you guys do this guy or that guy.' If it doesn't make sense, we wouldn't do it. It would really have to make sense. We're a good team and we're not motivated to move any of these guys."

Tucker, who will be 28 by the start of the 2025 season, had 23 home runs, 49 RBI, a .289 batting average and a .993 OPS last season despite playing just 78 games. In his last healthy season in 2023, Tucker had 29 homers and 112 RBI.

Given his age and caliber, a trade for Tucker could likely result in a haul of talented prospects.

The same goes for Valdez, who had the sixth-best ERA in the majors at 2.91 and recorded a 15-7 record across 28 appearances.

Brown also seems confident that the Astros would manage without either Tucker or Valdez saying he thinks Houston could win the division without one of the stars.

The Astros, two years removed from their last World Series victory, failed to reach the divisional series for the first time since 2016 last season and are searching for ways to improve. Parting with one of their key players could be an answer.

Houston Astros manager Joe Espada's top priority is keeping third baseman Alex Bregman in an Astros uniform.

"(Alex Bregman) is our No. 1 priority and I think that we're going to do everything in our power for him to put that Astros uniform on and never again put another uniform on," Espada said on MLB Tonight.

The 30-year-old out of LSU has spent all nine of his professional years with the Astros, earning a Gold Glove with the team in 2024 and a Silver Slugger in 2019.

He has a career total of 191 home runs, 663 RBI and a .272 batting average. Last season, he hit 26 home runs with 75 RBI and a .260 batting average for the 88-73 Astros, who finished first in the AL West.

According to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart, sources revealed that the Astros offered Bregman a six-year deal worth approximately $156 million last week, which would set a franchise record for the largest contract in team history. However, Bregman is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million.

Fellow Astros teammate Jose Altuve urged the organization to re-sign Bregman at the end of the season. While Astros owner Jim Crane acknowledged Altuve's plea, he remains cautious about committing to long-term contracts, sticking to strategies that have proven successful in the past.

"You have to be cognizant of that because the longer the contracts on the back end, it gets difficult to carry it and you decrease your ability to be competitive when you've got a lot of money tied up," Crane said in November, per McTaggart. "We have some money coming off the payroll next year, as you well know. We run it like a business, and we make good decisions."

After superstar Juan Soto officially left the market on Sunday night, the Astros are not the only team pursuing Bregman, who is now one of the most valuable assets available.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox are shifting gears after missing out on Soto and are now interested in pivoting toward Bregman.

"Per sources, one of the players the Red Sox might immediately be prioritizing is Alex Bregman," Rob Bradford of Audacy said, via Sports Illustrated's Jackson Roberts. "The longtime Astro - who will be 31 years old on Opening Day in 2025 - would necessitate surrendering a draft pick since he was tagged with a qualifying offer by Houston. But Bregman does check off a lot of key boxes for the Sox."

The right-hander would be an ideal fit for the Red Sox if he could transition to second base, with Red Sox star Rafael Devers anchoring third. The team struggled with talent at the second base position last season.

"He hits from the right side, could slide in as the Sox' starting second baseman, a position he is open to playing, and represents the type of veteran leadership the Red Sox are looking to add, particularly among the position player group," Roberts said.

The Houston Astros have offered free agent third baseman Alex Bregman a six-year contract "worth around $156 million," Brian McTaggart reported for MLB.com.

McTaggart noted that Bregman "is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million."

The largest contract in Astros history is currently the six-year, $156 million extension Jose Altuve signed with the club in 2018.

Exceeding that record may not be enough to keep Bregman, who slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs last season. Should another team in need of a third baseman like the New York Yankees or New York Mets offer him more money, he could move on after nine seasons with the Astros.

Another potential suitor for Bregman is the Detroit Tigers, who are led by former Astros manager A.J. Hinch. The New York Post's Jon Heyman reported that the Tigers are "interested" in Bregman, but that he might be out of their price range.

Heyman additionally reported that the Boston Red Sox have "inquired" about Bregman. The Philadelphia Phillies could also potentially be a match should the team find a trade partner for Alec Bohm.

Multiple members of the Astros organization have publicly expressed a desire to retain Bregman, who played a key role in the franchise's 2017 and 2022 World Series wins.

Altuve said in October that the Astros would not "be the same organization without him," and general manager Dana Brown said in November that re-signing the third baseman was "without a doubt" the club's biggest priority this winter.

But Astros owner Jim Crane also noted last month that the club was preparing for the possibility that Bregman would be playing elsewhere in 2025.

"We're looking now at a backup [options]," Crane said in November, per McTaggart. "You're exploring all the options, so that's what's happening now."

According to McTaggart, one of the Astros' "top" backup options is Jorge Polanco, who is hitting free agency after undergoing knee surgery in October.

Polanco was limited by knee pain during the 2024 season, per ESPN's Jeff Passan, so the Astros could be hoping his output will improve when healthy next spring.

That's not the only change that could take place in the Astros lineup before next season. McTaggart reported that the franchise will "be more aggressive" in adding a first baseman should Bregman walk.

McTaggart named free agent Christian Walker, who earned his third straight Gold Glove at first base with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, as a potential target for the Astros.

Bregman is by far the biggest name at third base available on the free-agent market. Teams interested in making a splash at the position will likely either need to make him an offer or turn to the trade market, where players like Bohm and the Arizona Cardinals' Nolan Arenado are reportedly available.

Alex Bregman is one of the headline free agents this offseason, but that doesn't mean the third baseman will land a contract north of $300 million.

ESPN's Buster Olney and Jeff Passan reported on the situation Thursday and noted some executives around the league "don't necessarily view him as a $300 million player." They also suggested agent Scott Boras could drag the negotiating process into February or March like he has for past clients.

Bregman might not land a mega contract this offseason, but he is still playing at a consistent level before he turns 31 years old in March.

He slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 145 games this past season, which was his highest home run total since his dominant season in 2019 when he finished second in American League MVP voting.

The veteran likely won't reach that level again when he slashed .296/.423/.592 with 41 home runs and 112 RBI, and potential suitors surely know that.

But he showed improvement in other ways in 2024 and took home his first career Gold Glove. He was responsible for six defensive runs saved above average last season, per FanGraphs, and should continue to play defense at a high level at third base.

While important, the position isn't quite as physically demanding as shortstop or centerfield, so his defense should age well on his next contract.

Bregman's resume also speaks for itself with two World Series crowns, two All-Star selections, the Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger award.

Another thing working in his favor is many of the top free agents, outside of Juan Soto, are pitchers this offseason. Much of the attention was on pitchers such as Corbin Burnes, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell and Max Fried entering the offseason, meaning players like Bregman should be enticing for teams looking for offense that aren't willing to spend the $600 million-plus it might take for Soto.

Whether that means he will sign a $300 million deal remains to be seen, but it seems there is at least some doubt about the overall ceiling for his contract among league executives.

The Houston Astros are reportedly attempting to re-sign Alex Bregman and the team is also targeting potential replacements such as Willy Adames and Jorge Polanco, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

"The Houston Astros are continuing their efforts to re-sign Bregman, while also setting up contingencies," Rosenthal wrote on Monday. "The team is staying in contact with Adames, and has expressed interest in another free agent, Jorge Polanco, as a fallback option."

Bregman spent all nine years of his career in Houston, gradually becoming a staple of a lineup that won multiple World Series titles. He ranks No. 6 on the Astros' all-time home runs list and No. 11 on the team's all-time hits leaderboard.

In 2024, Bregman hit .260 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs in 145 games.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Nov. 25 that the Astros were interested in bringing him back on a six-year deal worth roughly $156 million, but Bregman is eyeing a contract that surpasses $200 million.

If both sides can't reach an agreement, Houston could intensify negotiations with Adames. The shortstop is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers, as his 32 home runs and 112 RBIs both represented career-high marks.

Adames would likely move to the hot corner if he signs with Houston.

Polanco doesn't posses as much power at the plate compared to Bregman and Adames, but he could be a serviceable alternative. As a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2024, the 31-year-old recorded 16 homers and 11 doubles to go along with a .213/.296/.355 slash line.

With a change of scenery, Polanco could look like his former self after posting a .796 OPS from 2019-23 on the Minnesota Twins.

As the Astros look to secure their third baseman of the future in free agency, they're targeting multiple options behind Bregman.

The Houston Astros and Alex Bregman are still reportedly far apart in negotiations.

The Astros are interested in re-signing Bregman on a six-year contract valued at approximately $156 million, but Bregman is aiming for a deal exceeding $200 million, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

The third baseman out of LSU has spent his entire nine-year Major League career with the Astros but could be on the move if they can't compete with a rumored offer from the New York Yankees, who may target him if they fail to re-sign Juan Soto.

"If the New York Yankees don't re-sign Juan Soto, one back-up plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, sign either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, trade for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then use the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried or Snell," said Nightengale.

In addition to the Astros and Yankees, Alex Bregman could also draw interest from several other teams including the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies, according to Nightengale.

The former All-Star Game MVP tallied 151 hits, 26 home runs and 75 RBI last season during the Astros' 88-73 campaign.

The two-time All-Star, 2024 Gold Glove winner and Silver Slugger would be an ideal solution to the Yankees' infield issues, as he is the top third baseman available on the market.

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane is discussing the future of third baseman Alex Bregman and whether the team will be "exploring" backup options, per Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

The owner mentioned that he had spoken with Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, earlier in the negotiations but has since left the discussions primarily to general manager Dana Brown.

"We all know Scott. He's going to do the best he can to get the most money for him if it's a place he wants to go," Crane said. "But, at some point we'd have to make a decision. We're looking now as a backup and we're exploring all the options. That's what's happening now."

Crane acknowledged that there is "nothing to report yet" regarding updates in the negotiations, but Boras and Brown have been "visiting frequently," with "productive" conversations taking place.

Bregman has emerged as a leader for the Houston Astros, winning two World Series titles with the franchise in 2017 and 2022.

At the conclusion of the Houston Astros' 2024 season, where they finished with an 88-73 record, the usually reserved José Altuve practically demanded that the club re-sign Bregman, according to Rome.

"We told him we were going to make a strong effort to get it done and we'd do our best," Crane said. "It carries some weight with me and carries some weight with Dana."

The 30-year-old has spent all nine of his major-league seasons with the Astros, making his debut with the team in 2016. Bregman boasts a .272 career batting average, along with 663 RBI and 191 home runs.

The Houston Astros announced Monday they're changing the name of the stadium after agreeing to a sponsorship deal with Japanese company Daikin.

The venue initially opened as Enron Field in 2000 but had to remove the company's name in 2002 after its infamous bankruptcy. Minute Maid became the primary sponsor midway through the 2002 season.

During the brief Enron Field era, the stadium was colloquially known as "Ten-Run Field" because it proved to be friendly confines for hitters. It then became "The Juice Box" thanks to Minute Maid making its name with orange juice and lemonade.

Considering air conditioners are a large part of Daikin's business, it might be a matter of time before Houston's home venue gets some moniker like "The Ice Box."

The name on the stadium may not be the only notable change for the Astros in 2025. Alex Bregman has remained one of the constants during the franchise's eight-year playoff streak, a run that includes two World Series titles and another two American League pennants.

The two-time All-Star is headed for free agency. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal wrote Monday he might be looking to sign for something similar to Manny Machado's 11-year $350 million extension with the San Diego Padres.

There's no guarantee Bregman sticks around in Houston, and his departure would further underline how the franchise's dominance in the AL can't go on forever.