Three potential landing spots for Alex Bregman

The Houston Astros have a difficult decision coming up regarding third baseman Alex Bregman.

Bregman signed a long-term extension with the Astros early in his career, inking a six-year contract worth $100 million during the 2019 season. Another extension may only be a dream - Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported in April that Bregman and the Astros were not close on a potential deal. Chandler Rome of The Athletic had previously reported that Bregman would allow Scott Boras to negotiate during the season if there was any interest but nothing has happened.

Meanwhile, Bregman is not performing to his usual standards. He has produced a .236/.301/.400 batting line in his 276 plate appearances, hitting nine homers and 12 doubles. However, he has caught fire lately, putting together a 13-game hitting streak while posting a .353/.411/.726 batting line with five homers over 56 plate appearances. Bregman could find himself on the trade block given the Astros' struggles this season and his impending free agency. Let's look at three possible landing spots for the Astros third baseman.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs need another impact bat in their lineup as they hover around .500. As a team, the Cubs batting average and slugging percentage rank 14th and 10th respectively in the National League. Christopher Morel and Nick Madrigal have combined for a .207/.299/.361 batting line and a -0.4 fWAR manning the hot corner for the Cubs.

Bregman would change the complexion of the lineup. Matching him with Cody Bellinger would give the Cubs a dangerous duo in the middle of the lineup from opposite sides of the plate. He would also add another player with extensive postseason experience who understands what it takes to win down the stretch. The question is whether or not the Cubs can remain in contention. If so, Bregman could end up in Chicago at the deadline.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves would appear to be an odd fit for Alex Bregman. Austin Riley is set at third - a two-time All-Star who has finished in the top seven of the NL MVP vote for each of the last three years. However, Riley has not performed to expectations, posting a .225/.295/.340 batting line with three homers and 10 doubles in his 220 plate appearances entering Wednesday.

Riley could help in another area. Ronald Acuna Jr. was lost for the season with a torn ACL, leaving a gaping hole in the outfield. Riley has 62 games of experience in left and could help solidify the Braves outfield. Adding Bregman to man third would provide the flexibility needed to put Riley back on the grass. He would also add another impact bat to a lineup that ranks 10th in the National League in runs scored.

New York Yankees

New York Yankees fans hate Alex Bregman due to his part on the 2017 AstroGate World Series winning team. A trade to the Bronx could change that narrative.

The Yankees are expected to be a player for Bregman in free agency, with Joel Sherman of the New York Times envisioning a battle between the two New York teams for his services. Bregman could help a lineup reliant on outfielders Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for most of its offense. Yankees third basemen have struggled throughout the season, posting a combined .244/.299/.333 batting line with just six homers. Not only could Bregman solve the Yankees' problems at third, but those few months could help recruit him for a longer stay.