Is a veteran reliever the key to the still gummed-up market for free-agent infielders? That may be the case, peculiar as it sounds. Let us explain. The Chicago Cubs have reportedly agreed to acquire high-leverage bullpenner Ryan Pressly from the Houston Astros in exchange for right-hander Juan Bello.

The Red Sox continue to be engaged with free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, according to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. There is a caveat to Boston's interest, however, as the Red Sox would prefer any agreement to be of the short-term variety -- meaning,

What's the latest on the Red Sox's pursuit of Alex Bregman? New reports indicate the free agent could return to the Houston Astros.

“The Sox have remained engaged on Bregman, but multiple sources said as of earlier this week, the team’s interest had been in a deal of no more than four years,” writes Spier. “For now, it seems unlikely Bregman would accept a contract of that length.”

The Red Sox have been connected to Bregman since the start of the offseason. Some reports indicate Boston is the likeliest landing spot for the star infielder; others suggest Bregman's desire for a long-term deal could force the Red Sox to prioritize a trade for Nolan Arenado.

If you are a Boston Red Sox or even just slightly follow baseball, you know exactly who the team is tied to. Boston has been arguably the most talked about team

The Red Sox haven't been willing to offer Alex Bregman more than a four-year contract. Visit MLB Trade Rumors for more.

The Boston Red Sox certainly need to add a right-handed thumper to the middle of the lineup Boston’s starting rotation looks like one of the best in the league

The Houston Astros are feeding their own decline first appeared on Elite Sports NY, the Voice, the Pulse of New York City sports.

The Houston Astros are back in the running for Alex Bregman, but they will have to contend with a couple other teams in need of help at third base.

This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox. Rise and shine, it’s Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospects Day! Also: a potential path back home for Alex Bregman,