Where Astros Stand In Pursuit Of Potential Red Sox Target Alex Bregman

The market for free-agent infielder Alex Bregman has appeared bleak this offseason, but the Houston Astros aren’t ready to part ways without having their say.

Bregman, a target for various teams across baseball including the Boston Red Sox, still hasn’t signed. There are less than three weeks left until pitchers and catchers begin to report to spring training, leaving very little time for Bregman and all suitors. That doesn’t just include the Red Sox, it also includes the Astros who aren’t shutting the door completely on welcoming back their longtime third baseman.

“Well, he has not signed with anyone, right?” Houston manager Joe Espada told FOX26 Houston’s Will Kunkel. “So, our arms are still open. The door is 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.”

The Astros haven’t been tied to Bregman, according to the latest chit-chatter. Houston’s front office has prepared for the event of an official departure by expressing trade interest in St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. Yet, even though Arenado desires a farewell from St. Louis, the eight-time All-Star refused to waive his no-trade clause to join the Astros.

That’s limited Houston’s options.

J.D. Davis, Yoán Moncada and Jace Pederson are among the short list of free-agent third basemen still unsigned. None match Bregman’s track record in All-Star appearances, titles or overall reputation that the 30-year-old spent nine seasons with the Astros amassing.

If Bregman does feel sentimental going forward, perhaps Houston has the advantage over Boston. Bregman has spent the entirety of his big-league career with the franchise, watching fellow homegrown stars like Carlos Correa and George Springer ascend and depart along the way.

The Astros have stayed in touch with Bregman over the past few months.

“We have (exchanged) text messages with Bregman during the offseason and during the holidays,” Espada said. “I don’t only look at him as a player, but he’s also someone that I care for. He’s a friend. He’s someone that has done a lot for our community. So I’m always reaching out and making sure that he knows that we’re here for him. And our players are always asking about him so I like to remind him that as well.”

Red Sox manager Alex Cora, another fan of Bregman’s, spent the 2017 season with the veteran infielder in Houston as the team defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. It was Cora’s first and only season as a big league bench coach with the Astros and could play a factor in Bregman’s decision.

Since last season’s trade deadline, Boston chief baseball officer Craig Breslow has been on the hunt for a right-handed bat. The team lost Tyler O’Neill, its most lethal right-handed hitter and last season’s Red Sox home run leader (31), in free agency. Since Bregman fits the mold of what Boston needs, the Red Sox can’t be ruled out completely — even if the Astros are shooting their shot at a re-run.