The Detroit Tigers reportedly have competition from the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman's former team, in the pursuit for the free agent third baseman.

By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

If Houston brought Bregman back, it would create a crowded situation in the infield. They traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes before signing free agent first baseman Christian Walker this offseason.

Months later, Bregman remains unsigned, and a resolution with his free agency does not appear any closer. Among the teams that have been linked to Bregman in reports include the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. But the reality is that none of the teams listed are close to signing the All-Star infielder.

While the Houston Astros still have interest in Alex Bregman, their discussions about a potential reunion with the free-agent third baseman have been mostly “internal,” general manager Dana Brown said Tuesday.

Houston Astros GM Dana Brown clarifies the team’s stance on Alex Bregman’s contract talks, revealing internal discussions and future plans for the All-Star third baseman in MLB. Alex Bregman’s future with the Houston Astros is up in the air as MLB free agency continues to unfold.

The Astros are eager to bring Alex Bregman back to Houston and have offered him a new contract. According to the renowned New York Post columnist Jon Heyman, the Texas team’s management is ready to strike a deal with the All-Star third baseman from the MLB for $156 million over six years.