The Houston Astros are now considered the favorites to win the Alex Bregman sweepstakes in free agency this winter.

Astros star Jose Altuve is "willing to do whatever," including switching positions, to keep Alex Bregman with Houston.

During the Ryan Pressly trade conference call Tuesday, Astros GM Dana Brown acknowledged the team has talked internally about a reunion with Alex Bregman, though he added he has not yet reached out to agent Scott Boras.

The Houston Astros are reportedly still in pursuit of free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman as of Tuesday morning. Houston's brass also appears to have a cost-effective replacement in mind should Bregman seek greener pastures before next season.

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.”

Increasingly, signs point to the possibility of the Houston Astros bringing back free-agent infielder (and Astros lifer) Alex Bregman. The club cleared some payroll space by reportedly agreeing to trade reliever Ryan Pressly to the Chicago Cubs,

Alex Bregman is one of the greatest players on the field and in the clubhouse of the Houston Astros’ golden era, but he is also expensive.

Though the Astros have re-engaged with Bregman, general manager Dana Brown on Saturday characterized any potential reunion as a “long shot” given the state of Houston’s roster. Brown intimated that Bregman’s slow-moving market surprised the club and caused it to circle back.

We haven’t talked about it, but for Alex I’d do whatever ... If the Astros pulled it off, Bregman could stay at 3B, Isaac Paredes move to 2B and Jose Altuve move to LF.

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.

If Houston brought Bregman back, it would create a crowded situation in the infield. They traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes before signing free ...