Astros Star Drops 3-Word Message Ahead of Projected $120 Million Free Agency

It was a roller coaster season for Alex Bregman, whose falling and rising numbers frequently tallied with what his Astros were doing on the field. One of his low points came on May 29, when his batting average was just .213 and his Astros were just 24-32, their streak of seven straight playoff appearances in jeopardy.

From there, though? The Astros went 64-41, their 88 wins good enough to win the AL West. And Bregman hit .286 from there, with 21 home runs in 92 games, posting a .337 on-base percentage and a .519 slugging mark.

He not only rescued his season, but he helped rescue the Astros' postseaosn streak.

But ultimately, the Astros’ eighth straight playoff appearance yielded a two-game sweep by the Tigers, quickly ending Houston’s season. For Bregman, who is a free agent this offseason, the loss to Detroit might end his time with the Astros altogether, after nine seasons as the team’s third baseman.

That is not definite, of course, but it did appear that Bregman dropped a farewell to Houston in the wake of the Astros’ loss.

“Thank you Houston,” Bregman wrote on Twitter/X .

That set off a flood of fan responses imploring Bregman to stay and re-sign with the Astros this winter. That could yet happen. Bregman is coming off a five-year, $100 million contract and his market value, according to Spotrac , is four years and $120 million.

The Astros might be willing to pay that. But the problem for Houston could come if teams with needs at third base—the Yankees being first on the list, and the Mariners not far behind—are willing to overpay for Bregman.

His agent, Scott Boras, will surely attempt to create a bidding war. That could drive his price beyond the Astros’ willingness to match.

It’s hard to imagine Bregman playing anywhere but Houston. But his postgame message makes it clear, it’s at least possible in 2025.