Astros Reportedly Eyeing All-Star As Alex Bregman Contingency

The Astros have their eyes set on an Alex Bregman return but also were cautiously optimistic about the idea.

General manager Dana Brown and manager Joe Espada last weekend expressed their desire to bring the two-time World Series champion back to Houston. Multiple reports cited new dialogue between the sides with a six-year, $156 million contract still on the table.

It’s unknow if Bregman would accept that offer nor if the Astros would improve it compete with the other suitors in the infielder’s sweepstakes. But Houston is keeping its options open.

“No such resolution is near, and the Astros continue to show strong interest in another option, veteran infielder Jorge Polanco,” The Athletic’s Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal wrote Monday, citing sources. “Polanco, 31, offers the Astros a contingency plan if Bregman goes elsewhere or his decision on which team to sign with drags on into spring training.”

It seems realistic that the Astros would sign either Polanco or Bregman, not both. Espada’s side already is cramped in the infield, and signing Bregman reportedly would mean moving Jose Altuve to left field, something the Gold Glove second baseman would do.

Polanco reportedly would be open to playing left field, and he’d be cheaper than Bregman. Owner Jim Crane reportedly doesn’t want to pay the tax for a second straight season, which was why stars like Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly were traded away.

Bregman might be an exception, so the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers will still compete with the Astros for Bregman’s services.