Seems like we're getting close to a decision from Alex Bregman and the Houston Astros have reportedly made a last-minute offer to try and convince the third baseman to re-sign. However, the surprising report is that despite the Astros increasing their bid, it's deemed to not be enough to lure Bregman back to Houston.
According to Houston sports anchor Ari Alexander, the Astros have a new contract offer out for Bregman. While Alexander didn't provide the exact details of the new proposal, it has been reported throughout the offseason that Houston's initial offer to Bregman was a six-year, $156 million contract.
So, it's more than that, but Bregman is reportedly holding out for more.
The #Astros have improved their initial offer to free agent 3B Alex Bregman, two sources tell KPRC 2.
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) February 7, 2025
However, that improved offer is unlikely to get the deal done, according to a source. pic.twitter.com/7YP15V8fKy
National MLB insider Jon Heyman also reported that the Astros increased their initial offer to Bregman Thursday night in the New York Post.
Another interesting tidbit from Heyman's latest update on Bregman's free-agent pursuit is that he may have confirmed the contract offer coming from the Cubs that was reported earlier this week. Here's what Heyman wrote.
Top remaining free agent Alex Bregman is getting creative short-term offers but is still looking for (and expecting) six-plus years. Teams involved include the Cubs, Red Sox, Astros and Tigers.
The wording on those short-term offers is relevant because on Tuesday, Cubs writer Matthew Trueblood reported on North Side Baseball that the Cubs had made Bregman a, "creative multi-year offer."
Sources: With Alex Bregman Negotiations Intensifying, Cubs Have Made "Creative" Multi-Year Offer
— North Side Baseball (@northsidebaseb) February 5, 2025
✍️ @MATrueblood pic.twitter.com/M26enHFoTo
The article describes a four-year offer with an AAV in the $30 million range that also includes opt-outs and may be similar to Shōta Imanaga's unique contract with the Cubs, which gives the team the opportunity to buyout an option with their own club option.
However, all this interest from the Cubs and their short-term offer may be moot because Bregman is reportedly adamant about getting a six or seven year contract.
Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman still has no interest in a short-term contract and seeks a 6- or 7-year deal.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 6, 2025
While Heyman didn't mention the Toronto Blue Jays in his latest article the Canadian team is rumored to have a six-year offer on the table for Bregman. The Tigers are seen as a determined suitor while the Red Sox have recently had trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals about Nolan Arenado.
I still think the Cubs have a decent shot at signing Bregman, but seeing that the Astros have indeed increased their offer I just don't see Bregman choosing to leave if there's no other better bid. Seems like he's trying to get as much money as he can before eventually re-signing with the Astros.
We'll see what happens in the next few weeks. I don't think this will drag out much longer.
