Impending free agent Bregman wants to stay with Astros

A disappointed Alex Bregman said he hopes to stay with the Houston Astros after they were eliminated by the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

"I've been fortunate to win a lot here over the last nine years," he said, according to Space City Home Network. "It's been an honor to play in front of these fans and compete for this city."

Still, Bregman is aware that there are no guarantees on the open market.

"We'll see what happens. I'm gonna let (agent Scott Boras) and the team handle that," he said. "Obviously it's free agency and I've never experienced that before. I'll let him and all the teams handle that."

Bregman also thanked Astros fans postgame on social media.

Bregman hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs in 145 games with Houston this season.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire nine-year career with the Astros, winning two World Series titles. His best campaign came in 2019 when he finished second in AL MVP voting.

Bregman is expected to command a lucrative deal in excess of $150 million.

The star third baseman owns a career 132 OPS+.