MLB Network's Jon Morosi identified the Boston Red Sox on Monday as the primary competitor with Houston for the two-time All-Star and two-time champion. The New York Yankees are also reportedly in the mix for Bregman following the departure of superstar outfielder Juan Soto, though Boston is in an intriguing financial position compared to their AL East rival. The Yankees followed Soto's exit with a $218 million deal for starting pitcher Max Fried. The Red Sox have yet to spend on the free-agent market this winter. They've signaled a willingness to pay at the top of the market. Morosi sees a real rival emerging at Fenway Park for the Astros' clubhouse leader.

"There is at least as much of a chance of Bregman going to Boston as Bregman going to Houston," Morosi said Monday morning on MLB Network. "And let's remember the essential reason why Red Sox loom as a possible candidate to invest heavily in someone like Alex Bregman: they made a big offer to Soto, made a big offer to Fried, signed neither of them, and then addressed a rotation vacancy by acquiring Garrett Crochet [via trade].

"Clearly, there is still a strong capacity for the Red Sox to sign a major free agent, and that free-agent could eventually be Alex Bregman."

Morosi stressed Monday morning no deal with either Boston, Houston or a mystery suitor is imminent, leaving another anxiety-filled week for Astros fans. Kyle Tucker is now in Chicago. Houston's brass insists the dynasty is still alive, touting the expected 2025 impact from corner infielder Isaac Paredes and starting pitcher Hayden Wesneski. I'll buy that logic to a degree if Bregman returns. If Bregman bolts for Boston, Houston can no longer sell itself as a viable World Series contender.