With Dusty Baker lost to retirement and several stars on the wrong side of their prime, the Astros dynasty has never felt more vulnerable. Now a pivotal offseason approaches, during which Dana Brown and the front office will have several difficult choices to make.

The Houston Astros ' first priority this winter will be retaining star third baseman Alex Bregman. But Houston reportedly has its limits in the upcoming free-agency pursuit.

Honestly, I’d be surprised if Alex Bregman would re-sign with the Astros simply due to the financials. As long as Jim Crane owned the franchise, he avoided handing out the type of contracts it would likely take to retain Bregman’s services.

Alex Bregman has won two World Series titles, a Silver Slugger Award and earned two All-Star selections with the Houston

Former Houston Astros pitcher Roy Oswalt throws out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

As the rivalry between the Houston Astros and New York Yankees intensifies, the potential signing of Alex Bregman could mark a major shift in the balance of power.

Whether or not the Astros pay up big money to retain Bregman is an ownership decision that will likely be made by Jim Crane. Houston historically has not given out huge contracts

If the Houston Astros let Alex Bregman walk in free agency, here are a few potential replacement options at third base.