Houston Astros owner Jim Crane has acknowledged the team is preparing backup plans in case Alex Bregman chooses not to re-sign with the organization.
Bregman, who has played his entire nine-year MLB career with the Astros, is now a free agent. With uncertainty surrounding his return, the team is exploring alternatives should the star third baseman decide to join another franchise.
Speaking to MLB.com, Crane explained, “We know Scott [Boras], and he’s going to do everything possible to secure the best deal for [Bregman], wherever he wants to go. At some point, we’ll have to make a decision. Right now, we’re evaluating backup options and exploring all possibilities.”
Houston’s focus includes strengthening their corner infield positions. While Jose Abreu has already departed, Bregman’s status remains uncertain. Reports suggest the Astros are considering players like Jorge Polanco and Willy Adames, though Adames is primarily a middle infielder and a coveted free agent on the current market.
At the conclusion of the 2024 season, longtime Astro Jose Altuve expressed his desire for Bregman to stay with the team. Crane emphasized their efforts to retain Bregman: “We love Altuve. I love Altuve. We’ve assured him we’ll make a strong push to bring Bregman back. Altuve’s influence carries weight with us. He’s been a cornerstone of this team for years, and we want him to continue until he’s a Hall of Famer.”
Bregman’s 2024 performance included a .260 batting average, 26 home runs, and 75 RBIs. Represented by Scott Boras, Bregman is expected to command a significant contract. Whether that deal keeps him in Houston or takes him elsewhere remains to be seen.
