While this off-season has been mostly about Juan Soto, other names have also grasped much attention, one such player being Alex Bregman. Now, the Houston Astros player is wanted by everyone from the Detroit Tigers to the Boston Red Sox. The latter is considering shifting Rafael Devers to first base, making their want even stronger. Because Bregman’s flexible and could fit perfectly with the team. However, the Houston Astros and Jim Crane are not ready to let go so soon.

The Astros want to bring their fan favorite back to their ballpark yet again. Bergman hit the open market after completing the $100 million deal in 2019. However, this time, the deal isn’t going to be so affordable for the team. Given the Astros star third baseman is 31, coming out of a great year, he might try to cash in as much as possible. But it seems all’s not lost for the team, as there are some red flags with Bregman, which might force him to stay with the Astros themselves!

Red flags that could hamper Bregman’s pay-day

CBS Sports R.J. Anderson highlighted some major concerns with Alex Bregman that could impact not just his market value but also his decision on whether to stay in Houston or not. The first red flag was Bergman’s reliance on Minute Maid Park. According to Statcast, Bregman would have hit 30 fewer home runs if he had played in 17 other MLB parks. The proof? This year, he hit 16 home runs at home, and then when on the road, there has been a drop in batting average; so, staying in a hitter-friendly park like Houston can be beneficial for Alex Bregman.

Another concern that Anderson has raised is Alex Bregman’s declining walk rate! This was once his hallmark of the game, but his wall rate dropped to just 6.9%. His strikeouts were elevated, which shows his struggles at the plate. However, even if these issues pertain, he is still a valuable asset for any team. He is fresh off his first Gold Glove win, and his main selling point is his versatility. For the Astros, retaining Alex Bregman may provide that much-needed stability. As for Bregman, he can continue thriving in a familiar environment.

Astros’ bid for Alex Bregman revealed

While the Astros want Alex Bregman, history shows that Jim Crane and the team aren’t afraid to let a big-name free agent just walk away. However, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB, the Astros have offered Bregman a six-year deal of around $156 million. It is a record-setting amount for the team. But Bregman and his agent Scott Boras have their numbers set at $200 million. McTaggart mentioned, “Bergman is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million, which likely would price out the Astros and force them to move on from their cornerstone third baseman.” For the Astros, it might be time to bow out!

Now, it won’t be easy for the team to let go of Alex Bregman, who has been a key figure for the Houston Astros. He has contributed to seven ALCS appearances and four World Series trips. Not to mention the two world titles. But baseball, like any sport, is about paying the players for future performances, not the past glory. While Bregman would want to stay with the Houston Astros, with a bigger check, he might be in a different uniform next season.

So, what do you think? Will Bregman take a lower pay and stay with the Astros, or will he chase a bigger check and then choose somewhere where he is comfortable? Let us know your thoughts below.