As the new year begins, the spotlight remains firmly on Alex Bregman, who is still waiting for a contract. Despite a competitive free agent market, where other big-name players have secured massive deals this offseason, Bregman stands at the top of the list but remains unsigned. With more than a month until players are due to report for spring training, the uncertainty surrounding Bregman’s future is creating buzz. The Houston Astros, a team with which he spent his entire career, made an offer, but it seems a reunion is less likely with each passing day. Here’s a closer look at where things stand and the teams still in the mix for the star third baseman.
The Astros' Shift in Focus
For Astros fans, the situation is particularly intriguing. The Astros made waves last month with their signing of Christian Walker, signaling that they’ve shifted their focus away from Bregman. This move was significant, not only because it filled the hole in their infield but also because it significantly increased their payroll. Afterward, general manager Dana Brown made it clear that the team had turned its attention to other pursuits, with negotiations between the Astros and Bregman reportedly stalling. Brown was open about the situation when he said, “I thought we made a really competitive offer and showed that we wanted him back. But we had to pursue other options. We couldn’t just sit there.”
Despite Houston’s efforts, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, has been clear that his client was still very much engaged in discussions with the Astros. In a phone call shortly after Brown’s comments, Boras stated, “We were always active in the negotiations with the Astros and had many exchanges… We in no way indicated to the Astros we were not negotiating.” This back-and-forth highlights the complexity of the situation, with both sides still trying to find common ground.
According to reports, Houston initially offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal. However, no other offers have been officially revealed yet, though the buzz around Bregman suggests other teams are certainly interested. It’s important to note that since 2017, Bregman ranks eighth among all position players in FanGraphs WAR, making him a valuable commodity even as his future remains up in the air.
Who Are the Potential Suitors?
Although the Astros’ involvement seems to have dwindled, there’s still plenty of time for negotiations to evolve. Several teams have been linked to Bregman this offseason, and while some may seem like long shots, others are definitely worth watching.
Boston Red Sox: A Strong Contender?
One of the most discussed potential landing spots for Bregman is the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox have made no secret of their interest in adding an impact right-handed hitter, and with Bregman’s track record, he certainly fits that bill. While Boston already has a superstar third baseman in Rafael Devers, Bregman could either slot in at second base or even move to third if Devers' defensive struggles continue. Bregman, known for his versatility, has indicated he’d be open to switching positions, which makes him even more valuable for teams like Boston.
But there’s a twist. The Red Sox also have a crowded middle infield with promising young prospects, which could create a logjam if they were to add Bregman. Moreover, the Red Sox have been rumored to be in talks with the St. Louis Cardinals about a potential trade for third baseman Nolan Arenado, which could complicate things further. While adding Bregman would not force the Red Sox to make any major changes to their infield, pursuing Arenado might require shifting some pieces around. However, one thing is clear: Red Sox manager Alex Cora, who previously worked as the Astros’ bench coach, is a big fan of Bregman and has been vocal in his support for the team to sign him.
Detroit Tigers: A Fit for a Rebuilding Team?
The Detroit Tigers could also be a potential landing spot for Bregman. Detroit is in the midst of a rebuilding phase but showed signs of progress in 2024 by ousting the Astros in the wild-card round and making their first playoff appearance in a decade. The Tigers are a young team looking to bolster their lineup, and Bregman could provide both a veteran presence and leadership in the clubhouse.
Additionally, Detroit doesn’t currently have an established third baseman, making Bregman an attractive option. Although the Tigers made some moves this offseason, including signing free agent infielder Gleyber Torres to play second base, the team’s overall payroll remains on the lower end, which could limit their ability to sign a player like Bregman. The Tigers are reportedly not close to an agreement with Bregman, and it remains to be seen if their financial situation and his declining OPS over the past two seasons will come into play.
However, the connection between Bregman and Tigers manager A.J. Hinch could be a game-changer. Hinch managed Bregman for four years with the Astros and knows the player’s strengths and leadership abilities firsthand. It’s clear that Bregman would bring both talent and experience to a young Tigers roster.
Toronto Blue Jays: A High-Profile Option?
The Toronto Blue Jays have been aggressive in recent offseasons and have shown they are willing to spend big. After missing out on Shohei Ohtani last winter and failing to land Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes this offseason, it’s clear that the Blue Jays are still hunting for a star player to bolster their roster. While their modest moves this offseason have included acquiring infielder Andrés Giménez and signing reliever Yimi Garcia, the addition of Bregman would certainly make a splash.
The Blue Jays’ third base situation is an area of concern, and Bregman could help improve that position. However, the level of mutual interest between the two sides remains uncertain. With the Blue Jays coming off a disappointing 88-loss season and competing in a tough AL East division, it’s unclear if Bregman would prioritize joining a team with such a volatile future. The Blue Jays do have two key stars in Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette, but their future with the team is in flux, which could cause Bregman to hesitate.
New York Mets: Could a Rebound Be in the Cards?
Another team that could emerge as a serious contender is the New York Mets. Under owner Steve Cohen, the Mets have shown they are not afraid to spend big on free agents. However, their pursuit of Bregman could depend on whether they manage to re-sign their own star free agent, Pete Alonso. If Alonso returns to New York, Bregman might no longer be necessary. But if Alonso decides to sign elsewhere, the Mets could turn their attention to Bregman as a potential replacement at third base.
If the Mets were to sign Bregman, he would join a lineup already featuring stars like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto. This could make New York an even more formidable team in the National League. However, the Mets are also rumored to be in the running for Nolan Arenado, which could complicate their pursuit of Bregman. If they do target Bregman, it would likely be with the idea of moving Mark Vientos to first base and plugging Bregman into third.
Other Teams to Watch
While the teams mentioned above seem like the most prominent suitors, it’s worth keeping an eye on other potential dark horses. The Philadelphia Phillies, for example, have been linked to Bregman, though their pursuit would likely hinge on moving Alec Bohm from third base. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees have had some conversations with Bregman’s agent, though the team has already made a series of significant moves this offseason. The Yankees still have an open infield spot, but it’s unclear whether they’ll pursue Bregman with the same level of intensity now that they’ve made other big moves.
The Road Ahead
As the weeks tick by, the uncertainty surrounding Alex Bregman’s future only grows. With so many potential suitors and a wide range of possible scenarios, it’s impossible to predict exactly where he will land. However, one thing is certain: there’s no shortage of interest in the talented third baseman. Whether it’s the Red Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays, Mets, or another team that emerges, Bregman’s next destination could change the landscape of Major League Baseball.
Stay tuned—Bregman’s free agency saga is far from over, and the next chapter could be one of the most exciting of the offseason.
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