The Detroit Tigers reportedly have competition from the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman's former team, in the pursuit for the free agent third baseman.

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.

An Alex Bregman return to the Houston Astros, with whom he's spent his entire professional career to date, is back within the range of possibilities for the free-agent infielder. That's especially the case now that Jose Altuve is reportedly willing to relocate to the outfield to make room for Bregman in a Houston infield that now includes Isaac Paredes and Christian Walker.