With the offseason in full swing, the Houston Astros are still in a tug-of-war with Alex Bregman, who is now a free agent, and his days as a player for the Texas franchise could be coming to an end.
After the Astros were knocked out of World Series contention, Bregman finished his previous contract with the Astros, who sat down to negotiate with both the third baseman and Scott Boras.
At 30 years of age, Bregman would not be an attractive asset for the Astros, and the third baseman is looking for a six or seven-year deal and a salary in excess of $150 million.
“Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman still has no interest in a short-term contract and is looking for a 6- or 7-year deal.” Reports insider Bob Nightengale.
Scott Boras also handled the negotiations between Pete Alonso and the Mets, which ended with the player’s return to the New York team, so negotiations between Boras and the Astros could follow a similar path.
Toronto and Chicago appear on the horizon
However, other contenders are on the Astros’ radar, as the Toronto Blue Jays have offered Bregman a six-year deal, something the third baseman is looking for
The only detail that separates Bregman from the Canadian team is family, as Bregman is looking not to be so far away from his parents’ home, who live in Texas, so the player would not have given the definitive yes to the Blue Jays.
The Cubs also appeared as an option for Bregman, offering $200 million, but with a four-year contract, something that did not convince the third baseman, who is looking for a deal for more than six years.
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said they are still negotiating with the third baseman, but the chances of retaining the All-Star Game selection are slim to none.