Alex Bregman Rumors: Why Astros Competing With Red Sox For All-Star

The Alex Bregman sweepstakes seemed down to the Boston Red Sox and Detriot Tigers until multiple Astros reports contradicted that feeling.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Thursday, Houston is “keeping the door ajar” for a Bregman return. The Astros aren’t optimistic about the idea, but their moves for Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes didn’t keep them out of the All-Star’s market. The Athletic’s Chandler Rome threw more fuel to the fire when he reported that talks between the sides resumed with the club’s longstanding offer still on the table.

It’s unclear if Houston would budge from its six years and $156 million. But the lengthy time it took Bregman to decide on a team appeared to be enough motivation to try to entice the 30-year-old.

“A lack of clarity in Bregman’s market across the past month may have allowed the Astros back into the fray. According to three sources, unrest within the Astros’ clubhouse about the possibility of Bregman’s departure — and (Dana) Brown declaring the negotiations ‘stalled’ — also contributed, in part, to Houston circling back.”

The Red Sox, Tigers and Blue Jays were the known suitors for Bregman. Toronto appears to be shifting gears to Pete Alonso, leaving two teams in the running. Detroit wants to get into the reliever market, but it reportedly is willing to wait things out if it can sign the Gold Glove infielder.

It’s unknown if Boston submitted an offer to Bregman, but the Astros’ reported new-found motivation could lead to something happening very quickly before the start of spring training.