Joe Espada Cite Alex Bregman as Top Priority in MLB Free Agency Negotiations.

Joe Espada of the Houston Astros prioritizes keeping third baseman Alex Bregman under contract as his top priority. “(Alex Bregman is) our No.1 priority,” Espada noted. Espada addressed Alex Bregman as their top priority on MLB Tonight on MLB Network @MLBNetwork: : We believe he should wear only Astros uniforms from now on,” Espada stated on MLB Tonight @MLBNetwork “[Alex Bregman is our] number-one focus and I believe everything possible will be done for him to become part of our Astros lineup,” Espada concluded. “- Astros Manager Joe Espada of LSU made headlines after winning #MLBTonight presented by @CohnReznick pic.twitter.com/7yyqHiO1rn The 30-year-old from LSU has spent all nine of his professional seasons with the Astros since turning pro, winning both Gold Gloves (2024 and 2019) along with Silver Slugger awards (2019 and 2025). Overall he boasts 191 home runs, 663 RBI, and has amassed 191 home runs with 663 RBI while maintaining an overall batting average of 272. Last season, Bregman hit 26 home runs with 75 RBI for an 88-73 Astros team which finished first in the AL West division. According to MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart’s sources, Bregman may receive an offer worth an estimated total of approximately $156.5 Million over six years from Houston’s front office which would set a franchise record contract value in team history. However, Bregman is believed to be seeking an offer closer to $200 Million from the Astros organization at season’s end. Fellow teammate Jose Altuve recently encouraged their organization to sign Bregman back after this season has ended. Jim Crane of the Astros acknowledged Altuve’s plea, yet remains cautious in signing long-term contracts, sticking with strategies which have proven fruitful in the past. “Be wary of signing long-term contracts because it becomes harder and harder to carry them and becomes less competitive when there is so much tied-up money,” Crane advised McTaggart last November, according to Crane himself. “Next year we will see some money coming off payroll; however, our business operates responsibly with good decisions being made in its daily running. “After losing out on Juan Soto on Sunday evening, the Astros are not the only team pursuing Bregman as one of their key assets available on the market. Meanwhile, Boston Red Sox are considering switching their approach after missing out on Soto in favor of turning toward Bregman instead.” According to Rob Bradford of Audacy via Sports Illustrated’s Jackson Roberts, one player the Red Sox may prioritize is Alex Bregman. “Sources suggest they could give priority consideration” [Bregman]. “Bringing on Bregman would require surrendering one draft pick since Houston issued him a qualifying offer; however, Bregman could fulfill many key functions for Boston.” Tyler Milliken talks with Alex Cora about how he always imagined Alex Bregman playing center field.” Can’t say thank you enough for his defense. Today’s reports that Bregman might make his MLB debut at second base are timely… here’s one that @_abigaiiil shared: https://twitter.com/T3kg8DKWKY The right-handed Bregman would make an ideal fit on Boston Red Sox team with Rafael Devers anchoring third. Last season, the team struggled with talent at second base. Roberts described Hernandez as someone who hits from the right side, could become their starting second baseman (an openness he displays), and adds veteran leadership qualities in their position player group, particularly among position players, Roberts noted.