The Houston Astros have long valued Alex Bregman as a player due to his credentials as a two-time All-Star and World Series champion. With his five-year, $100 million contract coming to an end and entering free agency, the team aimed to keep him on board as their third baseman. But Astros general manager Dana Brown mentioned that Bregman was aware of the team’s desire to have him back.

The Astro recently offered Bregman a $21 million qualifying deal, for the season that he is likely to turn down in search of a more extended contract term. Simultaneously, Scott Boras hinted at the possibility of his client switching positions in the field. According to USA Today, Boras talked about Bregman being a rare asset to Astro and also about his changing position.

“They clearly understand the rarity of being in four World Series and being in the postseason eight years in a row,” Boras said. “And him being a centerpiece of that…. As to meeting markets and the demand of this kind of player, you just don’t have many players on the dirt that does what he does. Also that Bregman can play second base, third base, his leadership, it’s a market certainly that the Astros are very aware is very healthy to him.”

Now, Bregman spent his entire career with the Houston Astros. Over the years, other teams have been interested in him, asking if he would be willing to move to second base. And it seems like he would like to explore.

Moving Bregman to second base is a strategy to boost his value in the market, as he’s not just skilled at third base but also versatile defensively across the field boundaries. This shift might stir up competition compared to when he was expected to stick to the third base position for the Astros, leading them as frontrunners before this change brought in an element of unpredictability.

Potential landing spots for Alex Bregman other than the Astros

The free agency market for Bregman has seen growth since Boras mentioned his openness to changing positions on the field. This adaptability makes him an attractive choice for teams not limited to those in search of a baseman. The Yankees seem to be one of the teams, but we aren’t too sure how fans would react if this were to come true. After all, Bregman leaving the Astros to go to the rival team will invite a lot of opinions.

Additionally, there is still quite a lot of animosity among the Yankee fans because of the 2017 Astros’ sign-stealing incident. But it seems like a realistic move for Bregman as the Yankees could provide the money and momentum the player is looking for.

Apart from the Yankees, the Red Sox are also in search of infield improvements and may enter the bidding war to utilize Bregman’s flexibility and experience in postseason play.

On the other hand, the Mariners and Tigers are in need of infielders and could emerge as strong contenders, considering Bregman is a seasoned leader who meets their requirements.

The Cubs and Dodgers can also be destinations for Bregman, given their capabilities and aspirations to acquire a player of his talent. The Cubs might consider using him to strengthen their infield by placing him at the base, whereas the Dodgers could see him as an upgrade in both defense and offense.

In the end, the Houston Astros are currently in a situation with Alex Bregman’s contract negotiations looming large over their heads. They might have to sweeten the deal a bit more to keep him or face the possibility of him joining a rival team. As Boras revealed information about the situation, it could spark a bidding war that works in favor of his client. This ongoing saga is definitely worth keeping an eye on as the off-season unfolds.

What do you think is going to happen ahead? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.