Seattle Mariners Finally Get Some Good News with Regards to Free Agency
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Over the weekend, it looked like a nightmare scenario for the Seattle Mariners was unfolding. The possibility of Alex Bregman returning to the rival Houston Astros started to get very real.
The worry really hit a fever pitch on Sunday night when the Astros cleared salary space for Bregman by trading away longtime reliever Ryan Pressly (and a majority of his salary) to the Chicago Cubs.
And while Bregman could still return to Houston, it looks like it won't be as easy as feared.
Per Ari Alexander, who covers the Astros:
The Houston Astros and Bregman continue to have a mutual interest in a reunion after re-engaging this week, but the Astros’ original and standing offer of 6 years, $156 million is unlikely to get the deal done, with two sources telling KPRC 2 the offer needs improvement for Bregman to re-sign with Houston.
The Astros & Bregman continue to have mutual interest in a reunion, but current offer of 6 years, $156 million is unlikely to get a deal done, two sources tell KPRC 2. https://t.co/HTFiF0DB8q
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) January 27, 2025
Furthermore, acquiring Bregman again would put the Astros firmly into the luxury tax, which is something that teams try to avoid. From the Mariners perspective, Bregman going back to Houston is a nightmare, as he's tormented Seattle for years, but it coming at a greater cost or more years is at least what passes for a consolation prize in this offseason.
The Mariners could have pursued Bregman themselves but they aren't even in the same financial stratosphere as Bregman's asking price, so all they can hope is that he signs somewhere that doesn't affect them much, or that his contract affects the Astros negatively in the long haul.
The Mariners will report to spring training in just under three weeks. They'll open the season on March 27.
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