MLB insider hints at Astros' strategy for Alex Bregman after Nolan Arenado pursuit falls through

The Houston Astros have a vacancy to fill at third base as they failed to land Nolan Arenado after Alex Bregman walked off to free agency at the end of the season. MLB insider Robert Murray believes the Astros will have to consider other options, as Arenado rejected a trade move to the team unless they are willing to re-sign Bregman on a long-term deal.

Alex Bregman reportedly rejected a six-year, $156 million extension from the Houston Astros, so they tried to make a trade deal with the St. Louis Cardinals to bring in Nolan Arenado. However, the 10-time Gold Glove winner exercised the full no-trade clause in his contract to block the move.

Robert Murray of The Athletic outlined the possible strategy for the Astros regarding their third baseman situation on The Baseball Insiders podcast on Thursday evening. [12:47 - 15:50]

"If the Astros were optimistic about retaining Alex Bregman, why would they go out and try to get Nolan Arenado?" he asked rhetorically. "Their actions would seem to indicate that they are not close to retaining Bregman, so they are exploring other options. Maybe their trying to get Arenado makes Bregman shake a little bit, but I've not heard anything to suggest that's happening.

"Now that Arenado has turned down a trade to Houston, maybe it changes his mind," he said. "They're going to have to go and evaluate some options. I'm not sure what options they're considering at this point, but Bregman is still out there, so who knows. He was their No. 1 priority this off-season, but they've just not lined up on him yet."

Meanwhile, the Houston Astros had acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes as part of the trade deal that sent All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs last week.

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"It's not just the Houston Astros": Robert Murray on trade interest for Nolan Arenado

Nolan Arenado has won six Platinum Gloves over his career (Image Source: Imagn)

The Colorado Rockies signed Nolan Arenado to an eight-year, $260 million contract extension at the start of the 2019 season before he joined the St. Louis Cardinals two years later.

However, the Cardinals are looking to offload the eight-time All-Star of their payroll as they look to rebuild the team after missing out on the playoffs in the last two seasons.

"The Cardinals have made it clear that they think an Arenado trade is likely. There are other teams besides the Astros," MLB insider Robert Murray said.

"It's not just the Houston Astros, by any means. But it would seemingly eliminate one of the options for Arenado.

Arenado has three years, $75 million remaining on his contract.