The $200 million Alex Bregman sweepstakes appeared to be ending earlier this week, but it is now believed that the star infielder will not sign his contract for another week or so.
The Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays are said to be the five teams still interested in signing the talented third baseman.
Houston appeared like a long chance after general manager Dana Brown said Bregman was out, but things could have changed quickly.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently disclosed a tidbit in the Bregman sweepstakes that could open the door to a deal with the Astros. “Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman still has no interest in a short-term contract and seeks a 6- or 7-year deal,” Nightengale wrote on X/Twitter.
The Astros appear to be one of the only teams in the sweepstakes willing to provide a six- or seven-year deal. The Cubs are allegedly willing to offer the infielder a two- or three-year contract, which might be bad news for Chicago if Nightengale’s claim is correct. Unless the Cubs are ready to offer him a deal closer to the length he is seeking, they may be out of the running. The Red Sox and Blue Jays have the money to spend, so it’s impossible to rule them out of a long-term contract with Bregman.
The Tigers have been closely following the situation and are said to be willing to spend a significant amount of money, maybe six years’ worth, to bring the star to Detroit. In any case, Nightengale’s revelation should offer Astros supporters a reason to believe Bregman will return.