It’s been a tumultuous offseason for Alex Bregman, the star infielder and two-time World Series champion.
For the first time in years, multiple teams are vying for his services, but Bregman’s free agency has stretched longer than anticipated due to a price tag that has proven daunting for many suitors.
Trade rumors surrounding Bregman began swirling as soon as the 2024 season concluded.
Despite his status as one of the top free agents, alongside fellow slugger Pete Alonso, Bregman’s market has cooled.
While both players are elite options, Bregman has struggled to find a match willing to meet his financial demands.
According to sources, Bregman is seeking a $200 million deal, a figure significantly higher than the six-year, $156 million offer reportedly made by the Houston Astros.
The Astros, unwilling to stretch their budget, have seemingly exited the race for their All-Star third baseman.
Scott Boras, Bregman’s agent and a master of negotiation, is likely holding out for a team willing to meet or exceed the $200 million target.
However, some insiders believe the strategy may backfire.
Former Yankee Erik Kratz weighed in on the situation, saying, “The size of the contract has scared teams away from signing him. Yankees are off the list, the Astros are now off the list, the teams that he could go to are dwindling.
“I thought there might be a chance he’d go to the Phillies. Now you only have two teams and really one team is just onto everybody. I just feel he may have priced himself out of the market.”
Rumors suggest the Boston Red Sox are still in play, reportedly prepared to offer Bregman $165 million over six years.
This bid, while higher than Houston’s, still falls short of Bregman’s target.
Former Dodgers pitcher Walker Buehler, a close friend of Bregman’s, has been advocating for him to join Boston.
However, Bregman’s preference appears to be a return to the Astros, even if it means leaving money on the table.
If the Red Sox were to increase their offer, they might emerge as the front-runner. Until then, the standoff continues, leaving the baseball world wondering where Bregman will ultimately end up.
It may be cold outside (for some of us), but baseball season is right around the corner.
At the end of the day, which team do you think snags Bregman and what will his contract end up looking like?
Could the Yankees still be in-play???
