Alex Bregman’s upcoming trip into free agency was always going to be fascinating. For one, he likely holds more importance to the Astros than most, if not all, other clubs. There are sentimental reasons and his place in franchise lore to consider. For other suitors, there is also the sign-stealing scandal factor and how peak Bregman at the plate occurred during those years. But that feels like a secondary concern at this point. More importantly, there is his recent performance to take into account along with his age. Slow starts, for example, have become an increasingly common occurrence in 2023 and 2024 followed by Bregman getting hot as summer rolls around.