HOUSTON — Though the Houston Astros have re-engaged in talks with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, general manager Dana Brown on Saturday characterized any potential reunion as a “long shot.”

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros are reportedly "finalizing" a deal that will send closer Ryan Pressly to Chicago "pending medical review," per ESPN's

Meanwhile, the broader picture surrounding Bregman’s free agency remains murky. Acco rding to Ari Alexander of KPRC 2, the 30-year-old has received at least three offers of five years or longer this offseason, including one from Houston. This aligns with agent Scott Boras’ insistence that Bregman is not entertaining shorter-term deals.

If Bregman is back in Houston, team sources indicated he would play third base in place of Isaac Paredes, whom the Astros acquired as part of the three-player package for Tucker. In that scenario, both Paredes and Altuve could face a position change.

The Houston Astros have once again emerged in the $200 million Alex Bregman sweepstakes, even after acquiring a third baseman.

For much of the offseason, Alex Bregman leaving the Houston Astros seemed like a foregone conclusion, especially after the Astros appeared to replace him by acquiring infielders Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes.

Jose Altuve says he is willing to move out of the infield in 2025 if it means bringing Alex Bregman back to Houston. "We haven't talked about it, but

Houston general manager Dana Brown says the door for re-signing free agent Alex Bregman is “cracked” open, but he acknowledges keeping the third baseman with the Astros would be a long shot.

Despite the Astros’ additions of infielder Isaac Paredes in a trade and first baseman Christian Walker in free agency this winter, the club still hasn’t closed the door on a possible reunion with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

Jed Hoyer is still in his bag of making the worst possible efforts for the Chicago Cubs given the latest rumors surrounding the team's pursuit of free agent Alex Bregman.

The Astros are "keeping the door ajar" for a potential Alex Bregman reunion. Jose Altuve could play left field. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.