By Flashnews 
The Houston Astros are widely expected to lose Alex Bregman in free agency after a disappointing end to the season. We haven’t seen Houston shy away from big contracts in the past, but after re-upping Jose Altuve, dumping $95 million on Josh Hader’s doorstep, and preparing what is sure to be a massive extension offer for Kyle Tucker next winter, one couldn’t blame the Astros for letting Bregman walk.
Okay, that’s a lie. The Astros wouldn’t be able to live it down. Bregman is a bonafide franchise legend and a two-time World Series champ. Letting him walk would be akin to Freddie Freeman joining the Dodgers. Braves fans weren’t exactly thrilled. Now, Bregman could end up returning — he’s teasing fans on social media — but the tea leaves point to Bregman winding up in a new city.
The veteran is sure to be a hot commodity. He’s a true five-tool weapon, excellent with his glove at the hot corner and explosive in the batter’s box. This was not Bregman’s best individual campaign, but he still managed .260/.315/.453 splits with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. After Matt Chapman’s monstrous $151 million extension in San Francisco, the stage is set for a desperate front office to splurge on Bregman.
Whether it’s an established contender or an upstart dark horse, teams will be pushing hard to get Bregman out of Houston. Here are a few replacement options the Astros should have lined up, just in case this all goes south.