Alex Bregman shows off BP session during off-season grind amid growing free-agency speculation

With 2025 Spring Training inching closer, free agent third baseman Alex Bregman hit the batting cage to shake off the rust. While his agent Scott Boras has yet to find a deal suiting him, Bregman has started to get the feel of the bat again.

After a mixed 2024 season which saw the third baseman register .260/.315/.453 (AVG/ OBP/ SLG) over 145 games along with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs, many expected him to re-sign with the Houston Astros with whom he won two World Series. However, the club went different ways to fill up their third baseman spot after the slugger reportedly declined their $156 million offer over six years.

On Tuesday, Bregman shared photos of him hitting the batting cage on social media.

Bregman's Instagram story

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Astros manager Joe Espada adds the latest intrigue to 3B's sweepstakes

One would believe the Astros have moved on from Alex Bregman after signing first baseman Christian Walker and trading Kyle Tucker for infielder Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs this offseason.

With Walker at first and Paredes potentially playing third, there doesn't appear to be any room left for Bregman to come back. However, when Astros manager Joe Espada was asked about the potential return of Bregman to the franchise, he said the doors were "open."

"Well, he has not signed with anyone right? So, we here still open... our arms are still open," Espada said. "The door's still open. There's always a chance, right? But right now we are still in conversations with not only him, but with other free agent players. So we'll see. We'll see."

At present, the team reportedly leading the chase for his signature is the Boston Red Sox. With Bregman allegedly eyeing a big contract worth north of $200 million, negotiation hurdles could lead to the franchise pivoting to trading for third baseman Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals.

If not the Red Sox, the Detroit Tigers and the Toronto Blue Jays are also in the picture. It remains to be seen where Bregman heads for the 2025 season and beyond.