The New York Yankees missed out on signing star slugger Juan Soto in free agency but are redirecting the money saved to strengthen their roster in other areas.
After making several significant moves in recent days, the Yankees have entered discussions about third baseman, formerly of the Houston Astros. Bregman is widely regarded as the top position player still available on the free agent market.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan outlined the potential contract the 30-year-old star could command and highlighted how he might fit with a few major-market teams still looking to spend as the new year approaches.
“His payday could reach the $200 million range, as his market remains robust with several teams still willing to spend big,” Passan noted. “The [Toronto] Blue Jays need a third baseman, as do the [Boston] Red Sox. The Yankees could shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. from third to second base, while the [New York] Mets might consider a similar adjustment, moving Mark Vientos to first.”
Bregman, a nine-year MLB veteran, is a two-time All-Star (2018, 2019) and a two-time World Series champion (2017, 2022). He also claimed a Gold Glove last season for his defensive excellence.
According to Baseball Reference, Bregman boasts a career batting average of .272, along with a .366 on-base percentage and a .483 slugging percentage.
Boston Red Sox May Have Inside Track on Signing Alex Bregman
Other potential suitors with the financial flexibility to sign Bregman include the Astros—his only professional team to date—as well as the San Francisco Giants, Baltimore Orioles, and Detroit Tigers. However, the four teams Passan highlighted more prominently, including the Yankees, appear to have a stronger incentive to target Bregman for his particular skill set.
According to a Thursday report from Jon Morosi of MLB Network, another team from Passan’s initial group of four appears to have the edge in the race to sign Bregman.
“When you consider the potential landing spots for Bregman, Boston … is a logical fit at either second base or third, depending on how the infield is structured,” Morosi explained. “Right now, I’m sensing that the Red Sox are a stronger possibility than the New York Yankees.”
Yankees Could Lose 2 Top Free Agent Targets to 2 Top Rivals
This could be a tough blow for Yankees fans, especially after Juan Soto opted to sign a record-breaking contract with the Mets just over a week ago.
There was a time when the Yankees seemed to land nearly every free agent they pursued, but this offseason, some of the team’s fiercest rivals have outspent them to secure top-tier talent that was clearly on New York’s radar.
Still, the Yankees haven’t been idle in free agency. They made a splash by signing All-Star pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract and acquiring 2019 National League MVP Cody Bellinger in a trade with the Chicago Cubs.
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