Alex Bregman Likely To Sign With Tigers Or Blue Jays
Free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman remains unsigned mid-way through the winter, but that might change soon. The Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays were reportedly the frontrunners to land Bregman this offseason. Both teams are also viewed as the frontrunners to land outfielder Anthony Santander. The Tigers already have a decent core and added Gleyber Torres. The Blue Jays might take one more shot at competing before possibly heading towards a rebuild if things go south. That being said, both teams seem to make sense on paper for Bregman. The superstar slugger is reportedly seeking $200 million after turning down $156 million from the Houston Astros earlier this offseason.
According to Will Sammon of The Athletic, the New York Mets are unlikely to pursue free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Sammon said that the Mets do not view Bregman as a long-term option, and he is currently looking for a long-term contract on the open market. While he did not rule out a potential signing, he views it as very unlikely. Throughout the offseason, the Detroit Tigers have been viewed as "favorites" to land Bregman, in addition to the Boston Red Sox, among other clubs. As a result, this suggests that the Mets view Mark Vientos as their starting third baseman heading into the 2025 campaign. Last summer, the 25-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign by hitting 27 home runs with a .266/.322/.516 slash line. Vientos was very effective in the postseason as well, posting a stellar .327/.367/.636 line.
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press the Detroit Tigers are "all-in" on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Earlier this offseason, is was reported that the Tigers had interest, but this recent report suggests Bregman may be on the top of their list. This past week, the Tigers brought in second baseman Gleyber Torres on a one-year deal. This moved Colt Keith to first base, opening up third base for either Matt Vierling, Jace Jung (wrist) or potentially Bregman. If the Tigers were to come to an agreement with Bregman, Vierling would likely see most of his starts in the outfield in 2025, and it would significantly impact Jung's opportunities. Jung underwent wrist surgery in October but is expected to be a full-go during spring training. Last summer, Bregman hit for a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and would bring much-needed playoff experience to a young roster.
Detroit Continuing To Show Interest In Alex Bregman
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers remain active in pursuing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, Petzold noted that both sides still have mutual interest despite a "gap in perceived value." Earlier this week, the Tigers signed second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year contract. However, even after that deal, the Tigers remain active in improving their lineup. If Bregman were to come to an agreement with Detroit, he would have an everyday role at the hot corner, which would likely move Matt Vierling to either the outfield or to the designated-hitter spot. Last summer, Bregman held a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Bregman will remain a popular target in points leagues in 2025 given his stellar 13.6% strikeout rate and a low-end top-12 option in category leagues.
According to Jack Curry of the YES Network, the Yankees are unlikely to target free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Curry on an episode of Yankees Hot Stove, "That's not a road the Yankees are going down." Curry noted that the Yankees do not value his bat at his current price tag playing in Yankee Stadium as his swing would not play to its highest ability. Last summer, the 30-year-old held a strong .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He generated hard contact at an underwhelming 40.5% hard-hit rate and a poor 6.4% barrel rate. However, he showed a great eye at the plate, boasting a 13.6% K rate and a 12.8% whiff rate. Given that the Yankees have already brought in large contracts this summer, such as Max Fried and Cody Bellinger, they may opt to take a cheaper route at the hot corner and for a bat that will play better in Yankee Stadium.
MLB.com's Mark Feinsand mentions the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers as two teams still in the mix to sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman this offseason. Re-signing with the Houston Astros is no longer an option after Houston signed Christian Walker to play first base. The recently-acquired Isaac Paredes is expected to open the 2025 season as the Astros' third baseman. The New York Yankees have been mentioned as a possibility for the 30-year-old right-handed slugger, but they may not be as interested after just spending plenty of money to sign lefty pitcher Max Fried and lefty slugger Cody Bellinger in a trade. It's a question of whether the Tigers would spend the money to reunite Bregman with manager A.J. Hinch. The Red Sox have the money and would have a reason to move Rafael Devers off 3B to preserve his health.
Astros' Negotiations With Alex Bregman Have Stalled
Contract negotiations between the Houston Astros and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman recently "stalled," prompting general manager Dana Brown to pivot and add first baseman Christian Walker in free agency. The signing of Walker all but eliminated a reunion between the Astros and Bregman this offseason after the team took him second overall in the 2015 draft. Houston's offer to Bregman was reportedly for six years and around $156 million. Owner Jim Crane has never guaranteed a player more than $151 million or given out a contract longer than six years. Before acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs in the deal that sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to Chicago, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado apparently nixed a potential trade to the Astros. Now that Walker is in Houston, Paredes figures to open the 2025 season as Houston's starting third baseman.
According to Mike Mayer of MetsmerizedOnline.com, the New York Mets continue to show interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and have emerged as a potential landing spot for him. Even after acquiring Juan Soto on a record-breaking contract, the Mets remain very active for the top free agents on the market. Last season in Houston, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate, holding a stellar 13.6% strikeout rate and 12.8% whiff rate, which were among the top marks in the sport. If the Mets were to acquire Bregman, this would likely move Mark Vientos to the DH spot or potentially first base. Vientos played an integral role in their postseason run this past fall, as he held a stellar .327/.367/.636 line across 13 playoff games. Given Bregman's strong contact skills and eye at the plate, he should be viewed as a top-12 option in 2025.
Tigers Not Interested In Alex Bregman At His Price Tag
The Detroit Tigers would love to add a right-handed bat this offseason, but they don't want to pay $200 million for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, if Bregman's market crashes this winter, the Tigers would be enticed to swoop in and sign him before spring training in mid-February. The Houston Astros' offer to re-sign Bregman has been reported to be for six years and around $156 million, but Bregman is looking for at least $200 million on the open market. It's unlikely that Detroit will get into a bidding war with Houston or any other team for Bregman's services, especially since they already have concerns about his long-term productivity. The 30-year-old also rejected a qualifying offer from Houston, so if Detroit wanted to sign him, they'd have to give up draft picks. Bregman missed some time late in 2024 due to a bone spur in his right elbow but should be ready for 2025 after having surgery.
The Houston Astros have offered free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman a six-year deal worth around $156 million, according to a source. If Bregman were to take the deal, it would be a club record contract in terms of dollars. However, Bregman is likely to reject it, depending on what other offers he gets, as he's believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million. Astros owner Jim Crane said last month that he prefers not to hand out lengthy contract extensions in free agency, which makes it unlikely they will be able to bring Bregman back in 2025 and beyond. The 30-year-old third baseman has been a core player for Houston during their run of two titles in 2017 and 2022. Last year, he hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers and 75 RBI while winning a Gold Glove. If Bregman signs elsewhere, free agent Jorge Polanco is at the top of Houston's list to play third base.