Houston, we have an offer.
The Astros have offered free agent third baseman Alex Bregman a six-year contract worth approximately $156 million. MLB.com reported on Thursday.
Bregman's camp has not yet responded to the offer.
The two-time American League All-Star and member of Houston's World Series championship teams in 2017 and 2022 was previously reported to be seeking a contract worth close to $200 million.
The newspaper's Jon Heyman previously reported that the Tigers and Red Sox, along with the Phillies, were also in contention for the infielder.
If the 30-year-old Bregman chooses one of these clubs over the Astros, he would be far from the first free agent to leave Houston in recent years.
Houston's leadership has shown an aversion to giving high-priced stars to players who become free agents, so they have given away players such as George Springer (Blue Jays), Gerrit Cole (Yankees), and Carlos Correa. Players like (Twins) took their talents elsewhere after their contracts expired.
“As we've learned over the years, I think the back end of contracts can be difficult,” Astros owner Jim Crane said in 2023. According to MLB.com. “They all go wrong. I think we try to plan quite far in advance, but I don't think anyone can say what's going to happen. [down the line]”
Even if you don't have a big 8, 9, 10 year contract. The Astros still had the third-highest annual salary in MLB. —Only the Mets and Yankees had more.
A total of more than $255 million was allocated, making 2024 the first season for Houston to operate above the competitive balance tax.
There is no clear internal replacement for Bregman, so if the infielder declines the tender offer, the Astros could consider acquiring third baseman Alec Bohm, who the Phillies have reportedly added to the trade block. There is sex.
Nolan Arenado of the Cardinals could be another option, but the 33-year-old still has three years and $74 million left on his contract.
The contract also includes a complete no-trade clause, so Arenado would have to agree to any move.
AP
If the Astros want to go the free agent route, Jorge Polanco and Willie Adames are among the infielders on the market.
Last year, Bregman, who had a total batting average of .272 and 191 home runs in nine major league seasons, won his first Gold Glove Award with a batting average of .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs.
