Bregman, an impending free agent, figures to be one of the top handful of players available on the open market

Bregman will enter free agency this winter. He has yet to be offered a contract extension from Houston, and a competitive market (and a likely $200-or-so million contract) awaits him this summer. Altuve isn't ignorant of Bregman's upcoming free agency. He simply isn't willing to discuss a reality without his co-star in the infield.

In a clubhouse searching for leadership, Bregman has blossomed into its bedrock. Only time will tell if he remains in that clubhouse.