While he may not have won the MVP award like his teammate Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman has been a key figure for the Houston Astros since their remarkable success in the AL West, starting in 2017.

Now, at 30 years old, Bregman is facing free agency for the first time in his career and is anticipated to receive a lucrative contract exceeding nine figures.

After debuting in Major League Baseball in 2016 and helping the Astros secure a World Series title in 2017, Bregman has been part of the team’s impressive record of making seven straight appearances in the AL Championship Series. He almost clinched the AL MVP award in 2019, posting an outstanding season with 41 home runs, a .1.015 OPS, and 8.9 WAR. Although his home run numbers have decreased over the subsequent years, Bregman was awarded his first Gold Glove in 2024.

Here are some of the most promising teams that may consider signing Bregman:

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Houston Astros

Can they afford to let him go? The Astros have clinched the AL West title seven out of Bregman’s nine seasons, making him a significant part of their history since he was drafted second overall in 2015. While it makes sense for Bregman to return, the Astros might hesitate to meet his expected contract demands, rumored to be between $160-180 million. However, considering they extended Jose Altuve’s contract last spring for five years, it would be surprising if Altuve was pleased with the departure of his infield partner.

New York Yankees

Bregman could immediately address the Yankees’ issue at third base, enabling Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift to second base. However, it’s important to remember that Bregman is still a controversial figure among Yankees fans due to his involvement in the Astros’ cheating scandal, which allegedly cost the Yankees the AL pennant in 2017. Will Yankees fans and team captain Aaron Judge be willing to overlook these past issues for a player with a sub-.800 OPS?

New York Mets

The Mets have various ways they could pursue Bregman. He has expressed openness to playing second base, which is a position the Mets urgently need to improve this winter. However, if the team fails to retain Pete Alonso or finds a suitable replacement at first base, they might consider relocating Mark Vientos to another position (or to DH) and installing the Gold Glove-winning Bregman at third base.

Washington Nationals

The Nationals may be on the verge of resurgence. With a solid pitching rotation, an All-Star shortstop in CJ Abrams, and promising young hitters like James Wood and Dylan Crews making an impact in the majors, a wild-card playoff push in 2025 is a realistic possibility. Although Bregman would come at a high price, investing in him would not only provide a proven winner but also help re-establish the Nationals as a competitive team.

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are eager to make big splashes in free agency. Bregman would relish the opportunity to join Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in Toronto’s infield; however, both Blue Jays stars will become free agents after the 2025 season. Would Bregman want to commit long-term amid such uncertainty?