The New York Yankees have done an admirable job of rebuilding their team despite losing Juan Soto to free agency.
The Yankees signed starter Max Fried and traded for reliever Devin Williams. New York then shifted its focus, dealing for Cody Bellinger and signing Paul Goldschmidt. After all of the trades, the Yankees still need a third or second baseman, depending on Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s position.
With that, Zach Pressnell of Newsweek believes the Yankees will focus their attention to Alex Bregman, and that the great third baseman will most certainly end up in the Bronx.
“General manager Brian Cashman decided to go with a more affordable option at first base,” says Pressnell. “The Yankees chose not to sign Pete Alonso, another slugger on the market. Keeping first base affordable allows the Yankees to spend more money on third base, where they urgently need to upgrade. Who is the finest choice on the table?
“Alex Bregman, the Astros’ longtime third baseman. Bregman has long been linked to the Yankees this winter,” Pressnell said. “However, there are a few additional teams that keep the race competitive. The Astros were formerly considered the favorites, but after signing Walker, it appears that Houston is out of the Bregman competition.
The Yankees have been in communication with Bregman in free agency, and he clearly fits the bill. He would be a middle-of-the-order hitter and a good defensive third baseman for the Yankees.
Analyst Calls Yankees ‘Heavy Favorite’ to Sign Bregman
With New York not spending as much money on first base as projected, Pressnell believes the Yankees are the favorites to sign Bregman.
Bregman is one of the best free-agent hitters available, and Pressnell feels the deal makes excellent sense for both parties.
“For the Yankees, the long-time Astro would fill the greatest hole on the team in a significant way. Bregman would play third base while Jazz Chisholm Jr. moved over to second base. “This allows Chisholm to play his natural position, and Bregman is a significant upgrade over former Yankee Gleyber Torres,” Pressnell said. “New York should now be seen as the heavy favorite for Bregman.”
In 2024, Bregman hit.260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs for the Houston Astros. His career high is 41 home runs, which he achieved in 2019, along with 119 RBI.
Bregman is a two-time All-Star who has also won Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.
What is Bregman Expected to Get in Free Agency?
Bregman is one of the top free-agent hitters available and is anticipated to sign a multiyear contract.
In MLBTradeRumors’ annual Top 50 free agent predictions, Bregman was expected to sign a seven-year, $182 million contract.
“Bregman is not entering free agency at the right time. He will be 31 years old when he plays next season. Although not considered “old” for a free agent, his age may preclude him from securing a contract longer than seven years. It remains to be seen whether a seven-year (or more) contract is available, but he should receive at least six-year offers. Matt Chapman recently inked a six-year, $151 million contract extension that begins in his age-32 season. That will be considered as a floor for Bregman, and he should outperform it as the younger and more consistent offensive player,” the article stated.
Bregman was an integral part of the Astros’ World Series squads in 2017 and 2022.
