Astros GM Rates Alex Bregman Chances Amid Red Sox Interest

The Astros held a fan fest this weekend, and there was a lot of talk about Alex Bregman.

Houston reportedly re-opened negotiations with the All-Star infielder with its six-year, $156 million contract still on the table. Manager Joe Espada made it clear he wants the 30-year-old back on the team. However, owner Jim Crane likely doesn’t want his team to move past the competitive balance tax, which a Bregman deal would do. It’s why there was cautious optimism from general manager Dana Brown.

Brown called the possibility of Bregman’s return to Houston a “long shot,” per The Athletic’s Chandler Rome. The Astros GM noted the “door is cracked,” which aligned with the reports that came heading into the weekend.

Houston also tried to trade reliever Ryan Pressly, who has a no-trade clause. That deal could influence the Astros’ ability to bring Bregman back and could alter other teams’ plans, such as the Detroit Tigers.

The Astros’ re-entering negotiations means that the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Tigers are the four teams known to be interested in Bregman.