The Houston Astros have announced they've extended a qualifying offer to free agent third-baseman Alex Bregman, according to a release following an announcement by Astros General Manager Dana Brown.

The offer is largely a formality, as Bregman is almost guaranteed to decline it before the Nov. 19 deadline. He's instead likely sign a free-agent offer for at least six years and at least $150 million with either the Astros or another club. The benefit ...

Winning is Bregman's top priority when choosing where to sign this offseason. To retain him, the Astros must sell him on that possibility.

The Astros making Alex Bregman a qualifying offer is nothing more than a formality as the teams will be able to continue to negotiate.

As expected, third baseman Alex Bregman was one of a handful of players to receive a qualifying offer Monday. Bregman was the only player given a qualifying offer by the Astros, who are expected to tr