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.”

Alex Bregman entered MLB free agency as one of the top hitters on the open market, with the All-Star third baseman generating interest from multiple contenders including the Houston Astros. However, after the Astros signed Christian Walker and acquired Isaac Paredes,

Bregman coming back at this point would be a bit awkward because Houston has clearly conducted its offseason under the assumption that he was leaving. It traded star outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Chicago Cubs and got back infielder Isaac Paredes, who has played the strong majority of his games at third base.