This afternoon provided a surprise when USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Astros were leaving the door open to bringing back Alex Bregman. It was generally expected that the Astros had moved on once they acquired Isaac Paredes and signed Christian Walker to play the corner infield spots.

Just when it seemed the Houston Astros might be ready to move on from All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, one MLB insider is giving a bit of hope to a potential reunion ... with a twist.

The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are top landing spots for Alex Bregman. Could the Athletics swoop in and make a play for the right-handed slugger?

While Boras has maniacally pursued as much money as possible, Altuve is willing to go above and beyond to make sure Bregman gets paid in Houston.

Alex Bregman could be headed for an Astros reunion after all. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Thursday that Houston is “keeping the door ajar” to potentially re-sign the star third baseman. The Athletic added that talks have resumed between the two sides.

Former Houston Astros 3B Alex Bregman entered free agency with hopes of a lucrative long-term contract, but his chances are waning in a dead market.

Alex Bregman is running out of time to make a free agency choice and should choose one of the Red Sox, Tigers, Mariners or Mets.

The Toronto Blue Jays, who have repeatedly struck out on top free agents two offseasons in a row, have been the most heavily rumored suitor of late. The San Francisco Giants, too, have long sought a big bopper and could use a first baseman.

The Houston Astros' acquisitions of corner infielders Christian Walker and Isaac Paredes this winter seemed to signal the end of Alex Bregman's time in the Bayou City. A cooled market for the free-agent third baseman could lead to a surprise reunion.

If Bregman is back in Houston, team sources indicated he would play third base in place of Isaac Paredes, whom the Astros acquired as part of the three-player package for Tucker. In that scenario, both Paredes and Altuve could face a position change.