By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

With rumors swirling of a possible reunion between the Houston Astros and Alex Bregman, Dana Brown characterized the talks with the free agent third baseman as the door being cracked, while still calling it a “long shot.

Astros general manager Dana Brown hasn’t given up on re-signing Alex Bregman. Brown spoke to the media on Saturday about a potential Bregman reunion, stating that the team “had some conversations” with the star third baseman and that the talks were moving in a “positive” direction.