A reunion between Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros may soon become a reality.
According to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Astros have rekindled discussions with Bregman after it initially seemed like the possibility of a return was off the table. This shift comes after Bregman rejected a six-year, $156 million offer earlier in the offseason. Following that, the Astros traded for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes as part of the Kyle Tucker deal with the Chicago Cubs, and also signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million contract.
With Walker now at first base, former American League MVP Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Peña at shortstop, and Paredes at third, the Astros’ infield seemed set. However, if Bregman does rejoin the team, the infield would require a major reshuffle, possibly pushing Altuve to an unfamiliar position.
In a recent report, Rome mentioned that Altuve has actively lobbied for Bregman’s return in talks with Astros owner Jim Crane. Altuve, in particular, emphasized how much Bregman contributed to the organization, noting that he “made this entire organization better than where we actually were before him.” Crane responded positively, acknowledging that Altuve’s comments held weight.
Should Bregman come back, a significant positional change would occur. Bregman would reclaim his spot at third base, Paredes would shift to second—where he has played before—and Altuve would transition to left field, a position he’s never played during his 14-year MLB career. Altuve’s range and defensive metrics at second base have been in decline over the past two seasons, while Paredes, at nine years younger than Altuve, has 53 major league starts at second base.
This potential move remains uncertain as the Astros and Bregman continue negotiations.
