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.
Free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman is reportedly drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of SportsNet. While the Blue Jays have reportedly made an offer to Juan Soto, they are considered "dark horses" in that race, which could open the door for Bregman. Bregman is also represented by the Soto's agent, Scott Boras, which could also present a good opportunity for Toronto to inquire about the infielder. Earlier this offseason, Bob Nightingale of USA Today reported that Bregman could also be interested in moving to second base with his new club. Last season in Houston, the 30-year-old posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Bregman should still be viewed as a viable third baseman in standard formats, given his stellar eye at the plate and proven production for counting stats.
Free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman could opt to play second base in the upcoming season, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Scott Boras, Bregman's agent, noted that the two-time World Series champion can cover the keystone in addition to his usual position at the hot corner. Bregman is currently a free agent and is expected to receive a significant contract. Given his willingness to move to a different position, it could open the door for more suitors to place their bid on the 30-year-old. Last season, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. Fantasy managers should monitor where Bregman decides to sign in the offseason, as his fantasy value could increase significantly if he earns eligibility in the middle infield as well as at third base.
Agent Scott Boras said free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman (elbow) had a bone chip removed from his right elbow recently and should resume swinging a bat in a few weeks. Bregman is expected to be fine for the start of spring training in February. The 30-year-old veteran missed time later in the regular season due to elbow issues but played through it before the club was eliminated by the Detroit Tigers in the wild-card round of the playoffs. The injury shouldn't negatively affect Bregman's free-agent market this offseason. While the Astros have had talks with him about a return, nothing is guaranteed. The two-time All-Star hit .260/.315/.453 with a career-worst .768 OPS, 26 home runs, 75 RBI, three stolen bases and 79 runs scored in 145 games in his nine season in Houston in 2024. Leaving the Astros' powerful lineup would likely be a negative for Bregman's fantasy value in 2025.
Astros Have Had "Productive" Talks With Alex Bregman
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said he's had "productive" talks with Scott Boras, the agent representing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. It's unclear if the Astros have made a formal offer to Bregman to try and re-sign him, but Brown added it's "our biggest priority at third base, without a doubt. We'd love to have Alex Bregman back. It's our biggest priority." The Astros extended a $21.05 million qualifying offer to Bregman on Monday, which he's fully expected to decline. It means that Houston will receive draft-pick compensation if Bregman signs with another team in free agency. The 30-year-old two-time All-Star remained productive in 2024, hitting .260/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS, 26 homers, 75 RBI, three steals and 79 runs scored in 145 regular-season games. Leaving Houston for another team could ultimately hurt Bregman's fantasy upside in 2025.
The Houston Astros have extended a qualifying offer to third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman now has until November 19 to either accept this offer or test free agency. The 30-year-old will likely test free agency as he should receive a much higher salary on the open market. In 2024, Bregman hit at least 20 home runs for the third straight campaign while holding a solid .260/.315/.453 slash line with 75 RBI and three stolen bases. He held a stellar 12.8% whiff rate and 13.6% K rate, significantly boosting his value in points leagues. Fantasy managers should view the two-time World Series champion as a reliable option for power and batting average at the hot corner for the 2025 campaign.
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was locked in at the plate during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The right-handed slugger went 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBI in what ended up being a 9-8 loss. Bregman has picked it up with the bat during the second half. He has a .811 OPS and now 13 homers since the All-Star break. Fantasy managers can continue to ride his hot bat during the fantasy playoffs.
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is getting the day off for Friday's series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Minute Maid Park. Mauricio Dubon will take over at the hot corner and will bat ninth for the Astros against Diamondbacks right-hander Brandon Pfaadt. Bregman missed five games in August and another four games recently due to renewed soreness in the back of his right elbow, but his absence on Friday appears to just be maintenance related. The 30-year-old is going to be managing his elbow injury the rest of the way in 2024, so it's something to watch, but Bregman remains a must-start in fantasy when he's on the diamond. Since the start of August, Bregman has looked great despite is elbow issue, going 28-for-95 (.295) with seven homers, seven doubles and 10 RBI in 23 games played.
Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (elbow) is back at third base and is hitting cleanup for the Astros on Wednesday at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Nick Martinez. Bregman will be back in action after missing the last four games due to renewed soreness in the back of his right elbow. It's an issue that already caused the 30-year-old veteran to miss five straight games in August, and he admitted it's something he's going to have to manage the rest of the season. Now that he's back, though, fantasy managers will want to reinsert him into their starting lineups in a good matchup. In 12 career at-bats against Martinez, Bregman has hit .333 with an RBI. Despite dealing with this elbow issue of late, Bregman hit .303 (27-for-89) with seven home runs, six doubles, 10 RBI and 14 runs scored in 21 games in the month of August.
