The Houston Astros will do everything possible to retain superstar third baseman Alex Bregman this winter as he explores the free-agent market.

The homegrown star has spent his entire nine-year career with the Astros but with several big-market clubs looking to add a prolific right-handed bat, another club could offer him an unrefutable deal.

It’s possible Bregman might betray the team that drafted him for a lucrative deal with an American League Central club looking to return as a contender in 2025.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros celebrates after he scores a run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game five of the American League Division… HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 10: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros celebrates after he scores a run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the first inning in game five of the American League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 10, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) Tim Warner/Getty Images

“The (Detroit) Tigers still feel like the pick here, and not just because of the AJ Hinch connection,” Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller wrote Friday when discussing where Bregman could sign. “They have plenty of room in the budget to make a big splash, and they could be one big bat and one semi-big arm away from going from the plucky postseason underdog to the clear favorite in the AL Central. Prediction: 8 years, $216M to the Detroit Tigers.”

Bregman has batted .272 with 474 extra-base hits including 191 home runs, 663 RBIs and a .849 OPS throughout his tenure with the Astros.

The Astros recently offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal, according to MLB.com’s Michael McTaggart.

However, the two-time All-Star’s projected market value is roughly $182 million over a seven-year deal, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

It seems the Astros will have to offer Bregman far more than they already have if they hope to re-sign him. Otherwise, he’ll likely move on to an organization that’ll pay him for what he’s worth, especially considering how profitable this offseason has been for coveted free agents.

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