Although they recently lost star outfielder Juan Soto to the Mets, the New York Yankees could still make a splash this winter.
On Wednesday, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported the Yankees, Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers are among the teams courting free-agent infielder Alex Bregman.
During a Wednesday news conference, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, implied he would be an excellent fit for the Yankees.
“That would be up to their organization,” Boras said. “Anybody who wants a Gold Glove third baseman that hits in the middle of your lineup, I don’t know many teams that doesn’t fit for.”
Bregman played for the 2017 Astros, who eliminated the Yankees in that season’s American League Championship Series and were later found guilty of sign-stealing. That would not preclude the Yankees from pursuing him, via MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
Bregman starred in 145 regular-season games at third base for Houston last season, recording a .260 batting average, 26 home runs, 75 RBI and a .768 OPS.
After the Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. in a trade with the Miami Marlins, he replaced third baseman DJ LeMahieu, who had a career-low .204 batting average in 67 regular-season games last season.
Chisholm logged 11 homers, 23 RBI, a .273 batting average and a .825 OPS in 46 regular-season games with New York. However, he could move to the outfield if they sign Bregman.
Per Astros beat reporter Brian McTaggart, the Astros recently offered Bregman a six-year, $156M deal, but he wants a contract worth $200M. That could be a financial stretch for the Yankees.
Spotrac estimates New York will have the third-highest payroll ($260.58M) in baseball in 2025.
The Yankees should still try to find a way to pay Bregman. The two-time World Series winner provides championship pedigree, which they need to make another deep postseason run.
