The Major League Baseball offseason is an important time for every club, but for the Houston Astros, this winter represents a possible fork in the road.

After seven straight appearances in the American League Championship Series, the Astros were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Detroit Tigers. Not only did the defeat end an impressive streak, but it suggested Astros could be headed for a downturn after an unprecedented run of success.

With easily the most expensive roster in franchise history, Houston must decide whether to continue adding big-money contracts to the ledger. And that includes their homegrown star third baseman, who is seeking a whopping payday on the open market.

Alex Bregman, the two-time All-Star and 2024 Gold Glover, is seeking north of $200 million in free agency, which is a huge price to pay for a 30-year-old coming off a down year by his own standards. If anyone is a threat to outbid Houston for Bregman, it just might be those pesky Tigers.

On Thursday, Alex Weinrib of FanSided  would spurn Houston for Detroit and a brand-new $225 million paycheck.

“Alex Bregman to the Detroit Tigers,” Weinrib said.

“This felt like a fit early in free agency, but based on Bregman’s reported expectations gap with the Astros ($156 million vs. The Manny Machado deal), I predict AJ Hinch coerces him to land in the middle at $225 million. Sorry, Jace Jung Hive.”

In Detroit, Bregman would be reunited with former Houston skipper Hinch, who was fired by the Astros in the wake of the sign-stealing scandal that came to light in the winter of 2020. Hinch has begun writing a new chapter with the Tigers, and Bregman could help him do so.

Obviously, Houston won’t want to lose one of their most recognizable faces to the Tigers right after their playoff defeat. But if Detroit decides to go all-in and offer a contract as big as the one Weinrib forecasts, they might have to find a Plan B.