"I would bet the Astros in this negotiation" - MLB insider predicts Alex Bregman's reunion in Houston

Talks between Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros seemed to have concluded. The infielder had reportedly rejected a six-year, $156 million contract in hopes of getting a bigger guarantee from other teams, but that seems unlikely which has brought Houston back into the question.

After the Astros checked in for the 3B and were rather surprised at his availability, the player and his team asked for a quick solution. Houston traded Ryan Pressly convincing him to waive his no-trade clause to join the Chicago Cubs. This freed cap space will give them more flexibility to offer Bregman a contract.

Speaking ahead of the 100th New York Baseball Writers' Dinner on Saturday evening, insider Ken Rosenthal felt confident that the team will get the 2x All-Star.

"Their fans want Alex Bregman back, and the Astros are trying," Rosenthal said. "I don't know how far it's going to get, but if I had to bet right now, I would bet the Astros in this negotiation, even though they've made their offer, it was six years 156 million, Jim Crane offered that to Bregman.

"But if they come up a little bit, and he doesn't really have anything that he likes as much. Now, he supposedly has long offers along those lines, but again, it's where do you want to play."

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Astros' Jose Altuve ready to move to Left Field to create space for Alex Bregman

There were question marks over whether Alex Bregman would have to play out of position after Houston already went out and acquired Isaac Paredes from the Cubs for the third baseman role. They had also secured their other corner by signing Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal.

However, over the weekend, the Astros' long-term second baseman, Jose Altuve, announced his decision to move to Left Field and let Paredes to take over in the middle. This defensive adjustment has made it easier for Bregman to come back into the Astros defense and play in his position where he won the 2024 Gold Glove.

“For Alex, I’ll do whatever,” Altuve said Saturday. “He’s one of the best players in the whole league and he’s definitely one of the best players on the team. We want him to stay so whatever I have to do for him to stay, I’m willing to do it.”

It remains to be seen if the Astros stick to their initial $26 million annual average value they had offered Alex Bregman. They might be tempted to offer a higher value with other teams still interested.