This is realistic and official: ESPN acknowledged has confirmed his return to the Houston Astros

Alex Bregman’s career with the Houston Astros may not be ended after all. After failing to reach a contract agreement with their homegrown talent earlier this winter, the Astros shifted gears by trading for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in the Kyle Tucker trade. The team also signed Christian Walker, a free agent first baseman, to a three-year, $60 million contract. With these movements, the Astros’ infield appeared set: Walker at first, Jose Altuve at second, Jeremy Peña at shortstop, and Paredes at third base.

However, Houston has unexpectedly reopened the door for Bregman’s comeback. Houston Astros are reportedly in talks to bring Alex Bregman back. Earlier this offseason, Astros general manager Dana Brown revealed that negotiations with Bregman had “stalled,” causing the team to consider alternative possibilities. However, according to The Athletic’s MLB insider Chandler Rome, conversations between the two parties have lately reopened, owing to tremendous internal pressure. “According to three sources, unrest within the Astros’ clubhouse about the possibility of Bregman’s departure — and Brown declaring the negotiations ‘stalled’ — also contributed, in part, to Houston circling back,” reported Rome.

Notably, Altuve personally appealed for Bregman’s return. “Throughout October, second baseman Jose Altuve pleaded with Crane and the Astros’ front office to retain Bregman, a player he said ‘made this entire organization better than where we actually were before him,'” according to Rome. “In November, Crane acknowledged Altuve’s comments ‘(carry) some weight with me and carries some weight with Dana.'” The Astros’ initial offer to Bregman — six years and $156 million — was rejected. While no fresh offers have been verified, ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently estimated that Bregman could fetch a six-year, $187 million contract in free agency.

If Bregman returns to Houston, Paredes will most likely move to second base, with Altuve shifting to left field, a position he has not played in his 14-year career. During his nine seasons with the Astros, Bregman has established himself as a franchise cornerstone, garnering two World Series championships, two All-Star selections, and one Gold Glove award while hitting 191 home runs with an.848 OPS and 132 OPS+.