Well, after a prolonged period of speculation, the Alex Bregman saga could be coming to an end for the Houston Astros.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, “the incumbent Astros are in with an offer.”

The MLB insider didn’t share any details about the contract, so that part is still unknown.

But, this is a huge step in the free agency negotiations between Houston and their superstar third baseman since his decision is the first domino that has to fall before the front office is able to accomplish anything else this offseason.

How Bregman and his agent Scott Boras receive this offer will also signal if he’ll be back or not.

There have been different projections going around from analysts and experts who do those sorts of things, and largely the rough estimate of his value on the open market is around $200 million.

As the best third baseman available and someone who provides elite hitting, defending and World Series experience and leadership to a clubhouse, there’s a good chance he could even get more than that depending on what other teams are interested.

It’s long been documented the Astros have never gone over the six-year mark for a free agent, so if that’s something Bregman is looking for, then the two parties could go their separate ways.

Again, nothing about the offer is known at this time.

There’s also a chance that Houston came in and blew away their franchise cornerstone with an offer, and he’s ready to sign his name on the dotted line and wrap everything up.

More details will emerge regarding what was offered, but this is at least a good sign the Astros have something on the table.

Explore More:

The Hot Stove has been cold through the first three weeks of November, but the action is expected to heat up soon with MLB’s winter meetings nearing. In the meantime, we’re examining each team to identify its three biggest needs this offseason and which free agents could fulfill them.

Our series continues with the American League West.

HOUSTON ASTROS 

1. Third base: It’s bizarre to think about Alex Bregman wearing a different uniform. Will the Astros front office heed Jose Altuve’s request to keep him? It won’t come cheap, and it would take owner Jim Crane doing what he didn’t when Carlos Correa departed, but figuring that out has to be at the top of the winter to-do list. If Bregman departs, the in-house solutions are limited, and there’s a significant drop-off behind him at his position on the free-agent market.

2. First base: It’s hard to imagine the Astros feeling great entering the season with Jon Singleton and Victor Caratini as their top first base options. Christian Walker, Pete Alonso and Carlos Santana are available. Then again, how much does the Jose Abreu signing linger in the Astros’ nightmares? Their decision at the spot could depend on their belief in prospect Zach Dezenzo’s readiness to contribute and whether they’ll be doling out the money required to keep Bregman in their lineup.

3. Outfield: The Astros were starting Jason Heyward, who was released in late August by the Dodgers, in left field in the playoffs. Heyward is now a free agent. The in-house options on the 40-man roster bring questions. Chas McCormick couldn’t replicate his 2023 form, and both Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon were below league-average hitters as well. It might not be long before top prospect Jacob Melton is roaming the Houston outfield, but signing an established bat against righties would help. Maybe this is a spot for Jesse Winker or Michael Conforto, or perhaps the Astros could swing a trade for Cody Bellinger, who could help fill needs both in the outfield and at first.