Having traded Kyle Tucker and faced with the prospect of losing Alex Bregman in free agency, the Houston Astros have entered the Nolan Arenado sweepstakes.

Per The Athletic's Chandler Rome, the Astros have emerged as a "serious suitor" for the St. Louis Cardinals' 10-time Gold Glove-winning third baseman.

Chandler noted that no deal is considered imminent, but talks between the Astros and Cardinals have increased since the winter meetings ended on Thursday.

Houston dealt Tucker to the Chicago Cubs for Isaac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski and Cam Smith on Friday.

The Tucker trade seemed to signal the end of Bregman's time in Houston because Paredes has primarily played third base throughout his MLB career, though he's also got more than 50 games of experience at first and second base.

Houston's last known offer to Bregman was a five-year deal worth around $156 million, per MLB.com's Brian McTaggart. That would seem to be below what he is expecting to sign for, though it would be the richest contract the Astros have ever given out.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel projected Bregman would sign for $187 million over six years before free agency began. The average annual value of that projection and Houston's offer are very similar, but the total value is well above what Houston is offering.

Bregman's leverage has likely increased now that he is the best remaining position player on the market after Juan Soto and Willy Adames signed.

Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak told reporters on Monday that he is intending to try trading Arenado as the team enters what they are describing as a "reset" in 2025.

An Arenado trade to Houston would be complicated because he has a full no-trade clause. He has reportedly given the Cardinals a list of six teams he would approve a deal to, but the Astros aren't among that group.

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox are the teams Arenado would prefer to play for.

If the Cardinals could convince Arenado to accept a deal to Houston, Paredes might be a player they have interest in acquiring. He will turn 26 on Feb. 18 and has three years of team control remaining before hitting free agency after the 2027 season.

Arenado hit .272/.325/.394 with 16 homers and 71 RBI in 152 games for the Cardinals last season.