HOUSTON — One year after carrying the largest payroll in club history and paying the luxury tax for the first time in his ownership tenure, Jim Crane said the Houston Astros have the “wherewithal” to spend at a similar pace in 2025, but he tempered some expectations of another record-setting number.

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

Coming off a season in which the Astros had the fifth-highest payroll in baseball and exceeded the Competitive Balance Tax for the first time, owner Jim Crane said Monday he would be “comfortable enough” to spend similarly on his team in 2025.

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,