If Alex Bregman Even though he didn’t have a quiet start to the 2024 season, he was considered one of the top three free agents on the market.

Bregman is still highly regarded and although he should sign a long-term deal in free agency this winter, perhaps this slow start could lower his price a bit.

for Houston AstrosThat would be the best case scenario. They might want the slugger back, but it remains to be seen what the Astros will do if he wants to be one of the highest-paid third basemen in Major League Baseball.

Houston has the money to sign him. When talking about Bregman, the biggest thing to consider when re-signing him remains the fact that the Astros have no clear alternative.

If they had someone in their farm system who could come in next year and make an impact, it would be a different story.

Houston, which has arguably the worst farm system in the league, doesn’t have that luxury.

If Bregman is going to sign with a new club in free agency, there are a few teams to keep an eye on.

Mark Feinsand from MLB.com He listed three teams that could be interested in the New Mexico native. Seattle Mariners.

“Bregman’s breakout seasons in 2018-19 earned him an average of 36 home runs, 108 RBI and a .970 OPS, and he finished in the top five in AL MVP voting both years. He hasn’t reached those levels since. He’s one of the most productive third basemen in baseball Bregman’s platform year got off to a slow start (a .206 average, four home runs, and a .589 OPS in his first 51 games), but he hit .288 with 22 home runs, and the Astros opted out of keeping Bregman in Houston. “He mentioned it, but there must be a lot of suitors trying to sign him.”

Losing Bregman would be tough overall, but watching him play for the Mariners would be a brutal outcome for his free agency.

Despite Seattle’s tough struggles, there is reason to believe they are a team advancing in the playoffs. The Mariners, who have one of the best starting rotations in the game, may be a hitter or two away from winning not only the American League West but possibly a World Series as well.

Bregman has hinted he wants to return, but money could be the deciding factor. If so, the front office will need to be willing to pass on a big deal.