It is believed that the Houston Astros are preparing to part ways with third baseman Alex Bregman potentially. Various teams of interest have been mentioned, including the New York Yankees. The 31-year-old free agent is a hot topic in this market.
Yankees and AL East Zero In on Sought-After Free Agent
The Astros recently sold another top talent, right fielder Kyle Tucker, on their roster. Tucker was traded to the Chicago Cubs, who sent three players back to Houston.
The Yankees were also relevant in the Tucker sweepstakes but were not willing to let go of the players Houston wanted. The Bronx Bombers will now turn their head to Bregman. The third baseman declined a $21.05 million qualifying offer, putting him on the sale shelf.
Who Could Land Bregman?
According to the MLB Network, the American League East top rivals are top runners for the infielder. The Boston Red Sox and Yankees are the front runners. Jon Morosi seems to think the Red Sox potentially want Bregman as a second baseman due to his versatility and their needs.
“Three big market teams… Astros, Yankees, Red Sox all potential fits for Alex Bregman.”
– @jonmorosi on #MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/vfRYv6y0Rl
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) December 13, 2024
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The Yankees need a third baseman, and that area needs improvement by 2025. Morosi also thinks business is not done in Houston.
The Astros still may have wiggle room in their budget for Bregman. Tucker was traded for prospects, giving the Astros more leverage and funds to offer their third baseman a contract for 2025.
Is The Investment Worth-While?
Bregman is most likely looking for a deal worth three to five years. That would make him 34-36 years old by the end of that contract. His last contract with the Astros was five years at $100 million, which put him at $20 million per year.
With a three-to-five-year deal, Bregman will be looking for something between $150 to $185 million. This may be the benchmark to keep the third baseman in Houston, or to move to the American League East.
What Does The Third Baseman Bring To The Table?
Bregman is a nine-year veteran and a two-time all-star with the Astros. His experience level involves various postseason and World Series runs. Bregman, as an individual, is an extreme competitor and has shown absolute competence in playing his position, both offensively and defensively.
In 2024, the infielder played in 145 games out of the 162-game schedule. He obtained 584 at-bats and slashed a .260/.315/.453 and a .768 OPS. Bregman slated 151 hits with 32 extra-base hits, 26 home runs and 75 RBIs.
Getting on base was not a problem for the infielder, and that resulted in him scoring 79 times. Defensively, he led the league in games played at third base with 142. He also led the league in put-outs at 103, assists at 242, double-plays at 23, and a .972 fielding percentage.
Bregman still holds his own at one of the toughest defensive positions in the game. The Yankees need a signing that will satisfy the lineup’s production and enhance their third-base needs. Bregman seems to be a fit, especially with postseason experience.
His output is worth the investment, especially for clubs wanting to compete for a World Series.
Main Photo Credits: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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