Astros Owner Makes Blunt Alex Bregman Admission: Team Exploring ‘Backup’ Options if Alex Bregman Leaves

Alex Bregman has been the heart of the Houston Astros’ infield for nearly a decade, yet as the offseason unfolds, his future in Houston is anything but certain. The three-time All-Star and 2017 World Series champion is now a free agent, and the Astros face an anxious wait as they wait for Bregman to make a decision on whether he will return to the franchise he’s called home for nine years.

With no immediate resolution in sight, Houston’s front office has been forced to consider backup options. Astros owner Jim Crane confirmed the team is already looking into alternatives, knowing that the situation could change rapidly if Bregman ultimately chooses to sign elsewhere.

“We know Scott (Boras),” Crane told MLB.com, referring to Bregman’s high-profile agent. “He’s going to do the best he can to get the most for [Bregman] if it’s a place he wants to go. At some point, we would have to make a decision. We’re looking now at backup [options]. You’re exploring all the options, so that’s what’s happening now.”

With Bregman’s future hanging in the balance, Houston is actively exploring various players to potentially fill their corner infield spots, particularly at third base. The departure of first baseman José Abreu earlier this offseason left a hole at the corner infield positions, but Bregman’s status is the more pressing issue. The organization is taking a long, hard look at potential replacements, including two notable names: shortstop Willy Adames and second baseman/shortstop Jorge Polanco. While Adames is primarily a middle infielder, his name has come up frequently in the conversation regarding Houston’s infield plans, as he is also a free agent this winter.

However, any move to add Adames or Polanco could be contingent on whether Bregman ultimately leaves. His market is expected to be substantial, as his agent, Scott Boras, is renowned for securing lucrative contracts for his clients. Bregman himself could be targeting a deal in the range of $350 million, a contract similar to the one Manny Machado secured. That price tag could make retaining the 29-year-old challenging, especially considering the Astros’ payroll flexibility and the looming need to extend other key players like Kyle Tucker.

Bregman’s performance in 2024, which saw him hit .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs, is further evidence of his value. While not his most eye-popping season, Bregman’s steady power and veteran presence in the lineup remain crucial to the Astros’ championship aspirations. His defensive skills at third base and leadership in the clubhouse are irreplaceable, and the Astros are undoubtedly keen to avoid losing him to another franchise.

Despite this uncertainty, the Astros are making it clear that they would like to keep Bregman in Houston. In fact, team captain José Altuve has been vocal in his desire to see Bregman return. At the end of the 2024 season, Altuve made it known to the Astros’ front office that he wanted his longtime teammate back in an Astros uniform. Crane confirmed that the franchise is fully committed to making a strong push to bring Bregman back.

“We love Altuve. I love Altuve,” Crane said. “We told him we were going to make a strong effort to get it done and that we’d do our best. It carries some weight with me, and it carries some weight with Dana. He’s been our best player on our team for a long time, and hopefully he’ll continue that. We’ve got him here until, hopefully, he gets into the Hall of Fame.”

The Astros certainly have the resources to meet Bregman’s demands, but there’s always the possibility that another team could swoop in with an offer that Houston simply cannot match. That’s why the organization is covering its bases by looking at potential infield reinforcements, and why players like Adames and Polanco are on the radar.

As for Bregman, he remains in the driver’s seat. The decision to stay with the Astros or take his talents elsewhere could significantly shape the future of the franchise. But with Houston committed to exploring all options and making a push to retain him, the next few months will be critical in determining whether Bregman remains the face of the Astros for the next chapter of their championship aspirations.