MLB Rumors: Astros Want Bregman Contract; Eye Adames, Jorge Polanco as Backup Options

The Houston Astros are reportedly attempting to re-sign Alex Bregman and the team is also targeting potential replacements such as Willy Adames and Jorge Polanco, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

"The Houston Astros are continuing their efforts to re-sign Bregman, while also setting up contingencies," Rosenthal wrote on Monday. "The team is staying in contact with Adames, and has expressed interest in another free agent, Jorge Polanco, as a fallback option."

Bregman spent all nine years of his career in Houston, gradually becoming a staple of a lineup that won multiple World Series titles. He ranks No. 6 on the Astros' all-time home runs list and No. 11 on the team's all-time hits leaderboard.

In 2024, Bregman hit .260 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs in 145 games.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Nov. 25 that the Astros were interested in bringing him back on a six-year deal worth roughly $156 million, but Bregman is eyeing a contract that surpasses $200 million.

If both sides can't reach an agreement, Houston could intensify negotiations with Adames. The shortstop is coming off an impressive 2024 campaign with the Milwaukee Brewers, as his 32 home runs and 112 RBIs both represented career-high marks.

Adames would likely move to the hot corner if he signs with Houston.

Polanco doesn't posses as much power at the plate compared to Bregman and Adames, but he could be a serviceable alternative. As a member of the Seattle Mariners in 2024, the 31-year-old recorded 16 homers and 11 doubles to go along with a .213/.296/.355 slash line.

With a change of scenery, Polanco could look like his former self after posting a .796 OPS from 2019-23 on the Minnesota Twins.

As the Astros look to secure their third baseman of the future in free agency, they're targeting multiple options behind Bregman.