Alex Bregman Rumors: Nationals among suitors for Astros star in MLB Free Agency | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

The Washington Nationals are a ‘widely rumored landing spot’ for third baseman Alex Bregman, Kiley McDaniel reported for ESPN.

Bregman, who played nine seasons and won two World Series with the Houston Astros, batted .260 with a .768 OPS in 145 plate appearances in 2024.

The outfielder earned a salary of $30.5 million in the final season of his previous five-year deal with the Astros. Houston also makes him a “top target” in free agency, according to McDaniel.

Bregman won first His career Gold Glove Award in 2024 after leading AL third basemen with a .972 slugging percentage and 103 strikeouts.

He also finished the season as a Silver Slugger Award finalist after hitting 30 doubles, 26 home runs and 75 RBI last season.

After joining the Astros as the No. 2 pick in the 2015 draft, Bregman is now heading to free agency for the first time in his career.

astral EXTENDED a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer to Bregman on Monday. Bregman is expected to decline the offer by the Nov. 19 deadline, and if he signs with another team, the Astros would receive a draft pick as compensation.

Should Bregman go, the Astros could decide to promote top third base prospect Shay Whitcomb, who has played in 20 games for the MLB club this season, or look for a replacement in free agency or on the trade market .

The Nationals, meanwhile, are looking for an upgrade at third base after José Tena posted a 0.3 WAR while Trey Lipscomb posted a -0.1 WAR at position last season.

Bregman, who scored a WAR over four for the third straight season in 2024, would present an upgrade for the Nationals both offensively and defensively. But acquiring him will be an expensive proposition for Nat.

The one from Athletic Jim Bowden recently projected that Bregman’s next contract will be comparable to Matt Chapman’s six-year, $151 million deal with the San Francisco Giants earlier this year, or the eight-year, $260 million deal Nolan Arenado signed with the Colorado Rockies in 2019.

If Bregman expresses interest in leaving Houston, general manager Mike Rizzo will have to decide whether a similar cost is worth it to help the Nationals take another step toward postseason contention in 2025.