"Close to $25,000,000/year" - MLB insider believes re-signing Alex Bregman will force Astros to let go of Kyle Tucker after 2025 season

Alex Bregman played nine seasons with the Houston Astros, arguably in the team's 'golden period' as they made several World Series trips during that span, winning twice.

Houston fans believed that, if the club offered second baseman Jose Altuve an extension, they would do the same for their third baseman. However, an extension never came through and now Bregman is looking for a new deal as a free agent.

The Astros face a conundrum in regards to bringing Bregman back. Even if they want to, they'd be losing on the next class of free agents which will involve their premium outfielder Kyle Tucker. The Astros signed Tucker to a one-year deal in January and can opt for free agency after the 2025 season.

MLB Insider Steve Phillips highlighted the same concern. He doesn't think the Astros can sign both of them on long-term deals and may have to choose between the two.

"The price is going to get up over $20 million a year, and I suspect close to $25 million a year," Phillips said (0:55) about Bregman's potential contract on MLB Network. "Kyle Tucker—I don’t think there’s the same level of commitment to Houston from Tucker as there is from Bregman. That connection with Bregman—his family, his kids growing up there—is strong.

"For Kyle Tucker, I think the price point is going to be huge. He’ll be highly sought after with his legit left-handed power. I just don’t see how they could sustain a payroll that has both Bregman and Tucker, especially when they need to add a first baseman. You almost wonder if, after getting Bregman done, they might at least float Tucker out there to see what he could bring back in return."

Alex Bregman and Astros at negotiation table but expectations are not matching

Last summer Astros GM Dana Brown said that he would sign Alex Bregman back. The slugger went into a shell during the early part of the season, which may have led them to believe not signing him.

However, the third baseman turned it around as the season progressed, prompting Houston to get back on the negotiation table, but now they'll be competing with many teams to retain him.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Astros have offered Bregman a "six-year deal worth about $156 million." However, Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, reportedly want a "$200 million contract."

Bregman seems to be holding the upper hand as he has generated interest from other big-market teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees.