The Astros don't want to invoke a high luxury tax bill, while their franchise icon is begging them to re-sign a star free agent — how can all parties get what they want?

There are still plenty of free agents waiting to sign and trade candidates waiting to move, and as such there will be no shortage of activity between now and the start of camp. Speaking of all that, here now are Friday's hot stove rumors.

With the clock ticking down until the season begins, one MLB insider made a bold prediction about where Alex Bregman will end up.

While most signs point to Alex Bregman joining a new club this offseason, he reportedly could be back in Houston next year. According to USA Today's

As Alex Bregman may not be part of the Astros anymore, Jose Altuve would do anything to save the relationship,

The Detroit Tigers are widely reported to have significant interest in free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, but the two sides apparently aren't moving toward an agreement at the present time. Here's this report from the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold:  "The Detroit Tigers remain interested,

Astros GM Dana Brown says retaining Alex Bregman may be "a longshot," but some "positive" talks have occurred. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more.

Alex Bregman remains a player without a team for 2025 with less than a month until spring training. Throughout the

Although Alex Bregman has been heavily tied to Boston this offseason, the sides are reportedly not on the same page over contract length.

Despite the Astros’ additions of infielder Isaac Paredes in a trade and first baseman Christian Walker in free agency this winter, the club still hasn’t closed the door on a possible reunion with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman.

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.