Alex Bregman declined a one-year, $21.05 million qualifying offer from the Houston Astros on Tuesday in a foregone decision as the third baseman navigates free agency. Bregman, 30, is projected to receive a long-term,

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown insists his club is in hot pursuit of Alex Bregman this winter, with retaining the two-time All-Star and two-time champion standing as the franchise's top priority in free agency. But Houston may have a backup plan should Bregman find a new home.

Houston Astros owner Jim Crane admitted the team is looking at backup options if Alex Bregman doesn't re-sign.