It's interesting to wonder. Would he be happier making more money, $200 mil over 7 years (which would be 1 yr/$44 million more than he was offered) but had to work hard for it year end and out with nothing more than a few years contract at a time? Or would he have been happier accepting $156 mil and staying in Houston knowing he's comfortable on a winning team that's familiar and doesn't have to keep proving himself all the time?
What do folks on here think? Teams scared of his elbow, his age, or is there another factor I'm not seeing?
31 going on 35 if you ask me. Then you got the mysterious elbow issue (ala the Correa ankle). If he has to play 2nd base, nobody pays that kind of money for that position. Buyer seriously beware.
I think after Houston dropped out of the sweepstakes, the market reset, and serious teams were likely offering Bregman a deal similar to what the Astros had proposed. Taking the same deal—or less—with another team would reflect poorly after turning down Houston’s offer, so he’s likely holding out for a bigger payday to justify his decision. However, that higher offer doesn’t seem to be out there… at least not yet.
At this point, it's kind of impossible to say that Bregman has leverage. Way too much time has passed. It's a face-saving exercise right now for Boras... because it looks like he badly missed his window to get this done. He did not serve his client well.
There is no higher multi year. He’s in the same boat as Alonso. Three year with opt outs is the best he’s gonna get. Should have signed with the Cubs or BoSox last week. He will be a mercenary going forward.
Honestly, if Bregman WANTS to be an Astro, and that 6/156 is no longer on the table, I think his best bet would be to sign a year deal to stay and renegotiate a longer contract once again through the season or right after the season ends. 1/35 5/130 6/165 Total That could still work as Framber most likely comes off the books next year along with JAbreu and Montero, and can assess their future again. Worst case they part ways and Bregman's in the same boat next season, but with an extra $35 mil in his pocket for 1 season and hopefully a comeback type year where he puts it all on the table. Both sides can say they saved face by agreeing to this 1 year deal in hopes of having more time to negotiate a longer extension.
I just wish we could get a final straight answer - is there a shot at him returning? Or is it officially, most sincerely dead.
You won't get a straight answer until he signs somewhere. There's zero chance the Astros are completely "done". There's always some dollar amount Crane, or literally every team in the league, would be willing to bring him in on. Given the long wait, unique contract options seem like they are on the table.
