By helping the Astros unload the contract, the Tigers might have hurt their own chances to sign third baseman Alex Bregman, the top free-agent hitter still on the market. The Pressly trade has only fueled speculation that the Astros are positioning their payroll for a last-ditch effort to retain their fan-favorite star.

Bregman stands as perhaps the best position player available in free agency with less than a month before the beginning of Spring Training, and he reportedly still has a standing six-year, $156 million offer from Houston.

If Houston brought Bregman back, it would create a crowded situation in the infield. They traded outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs in exchange for infielder Isaac Paredes before signing free agent first baseman Christian Walker this offseason.