HOUSTON — Though the Houston Astros have re-engaged in talks with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, general manager Dana Brown on Saturday characterized any potential reunion as a “long shot.”

Bregman, who has played his entire nine-year career with the Astros, hit .260 with a .768 OPS, 26 home runs and 75 RBIs and won his first Gold Glove at the hot corner in 2024.

After the Houston Astros fielded a payroll in 2024 that triggered MLB’s competitive balance tax, incurring the penalty for the first time amid owner Jim Crane’s tenure, Crane was asked if the team would consider overstepping the tax threshold again in 2025.