Report: Astros, Bregman restart contract talks

Alex Bregman's days as a Houston Astro may not be over just yet.

The Astros restarted dialogue this week with their longtime third baseman and current free agent, multiple sources told Chandler Rome of The Athletic.

Houston is reportedly shopping star reliever Ryan Pressly in trade talks. Moving Pressly would free up payroll and increase the Astros' chances of re-signing Bregman, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

Houston apparently tabled a six-year, $156-million offer in December that Bregman rejected, as he's said to be seeking a deal over $200 million. The Astros' offer remains on the table for Bregman to accept, a source told Rome, though it's unclear if the team would be willing to move off the $156 million figure.

After negotiations with Bregman initially stalled in December, Houston changed directions rapidly. The club signed first baseman Christian Walker to a three-year contract and dealt All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for a package that included Bregman's replacement at third, Isaac Paredes.

If Bregman returns to Houston, he'd immediately resume his role as the Astros' third baseman while forcing Paredes and possibly Jose Altuve to change positions. Altuve, who's only played second base in the majors but has declined defensively over the last several seasons, would be a candidate to shift to left field, sources told Rome. Paredes would take over at second in this scenario.

Bregman, a key cog in the Astros' two World Series championships over the last eight years, hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs over 145 games last season. He also won his first career Gold Glove at third base.

Since his initial talks with Houston flatlined, the 30-year-old has been linked to the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox, among others. Bregman has received offers of five years or longer from at least three teams, including Houston's standing offer, sources told Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston.