By james art 
If all goes according to plan, Alex Bregman could re-sign with the Houston Astros in the coming days. The Astros are expected to discuss a new deal with Bregman and his agent Scott Boras in the near future.
Keeping the right-hander seems like the logical thing to do, as he’s been a staple in this lineup for most of the past decade. If it weren’t for Bregman swinging the bat the way he has throughout his career, the Houston organization would likely be in a much different position.
Often guys who have loyalty like him and have proven themselves to be above average professionals are fairly compensated. If there’s any reason to think he won’t be back, it’s because of his potential contract.
The Astros have every right to be concerned about giving an aging third baseman the money he’s looking for, especially if that number reaches around $175 million.
Even then, it’s fair to say he’s worth that much money, but it would add some intrigue to their decision.
If he leaves, there are expected to be many suitors for his role.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com named the Seattle Mariners, Houston’s American League West rival, as a potential candidate.
“In Bregman’s breakout seasons in 2018-19, he averaged 36 home runs, 108 RBI and a .970 OPS, and he finished in the top five in AL MVP voting both years. He hasn’t reached those levels since, though he remains one of the most productive shortstops in baseball. Bregman’s breakout year got off to a slow start (.206 average, four home runs and a .589 OPS through his first 51 games), but he hit .288 with 22 home runs and an .862 OPS over his last 94 contests, the Astros talked about keeping Bregman in Houston, but there must be several suitors trying to sign him.”
There is a scenario where the Astros could lose the New Mexico native and find a way to replace him.
Given their lack of farm, it doesn’t look promising right now, but if things go the way they could, there’s an opportunity to trade him for other guys on the market.
However, losing him to the Mariners would be the worst possible outcome. Not only would they lose his bat in the lineup, but they would also lose him to a division rival and a team that could potentially hurt their chances of making the playoffs and winning a World Series.