By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

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 agent first baseman Christian Walker this offseason.

With rumors swirling of a possible reunion between the Houston Astros and Alex Bregman, Dana Brown characterized the talks with the free agent third baseman as the door being cracked, while still calling it a “long shot.

Astros general manager Dana Brown hasn’t given up on re-signing Alex Bregman. Brown spoke to the media on Saturday about a potential Bregman reunion, stating that the team “had some conversations” with the star third baseman and that the talks were moving in a “positive” direction.