According to sources, the Chicago Cubs have offered free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman a four-year contract worth north of $100 million that includes opt-out clauses. In addition to the Cubs, the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros remain potential landing spots for the two-time All-Star. After trading away third baseman Isaac Paredes this offseason in the deal that landed them All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, the Cubs certainly have an opening at third base, although the expectation is that Matt Shaw is the leading contender for the majority of playing time at the hot corner to open the 2025 season. If the 30-year-old Bregman were to accept Chicago's offer, he'd immediately become the team's starter at third and provide another experienced bat in the middle of the lineup after hitting 20-plus homers each of the last three seasons. He's currently ranked as the No. 14 fantasy third baseman at RotoBaller.
Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown said the team is "continuing to have internal conversations" about re-signing third baseman Alex Bregman. "The fact that he's available, we still have conversations about him," Brown said. However, the Astros GM hasn't spoken to Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, of late. Houston already signed first baseman Christian Walker and traded for third baseman Isaac Paredes this offseason, so if the Astros and Bregman do reunite, Paredes will most likely move to second base, forcing All-Star second baseman Jose Altuve to the outfield. As long as the 30-year-old Bregman remain available, there will continue to be rumors that he could return to Houston, but the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers might make sense for the two-time All-Star. The former second overall pick out of LSU in 2015 has hit 20-plus homers in three straight seasons with 90-plus RBI in 2022 and 2023.
ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Detroit Tigers are still pursuing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman despite signing right-hander Jack Flaherty to a $35 million deal to augment their starting rotation. Bregman is still unsigned with spring training right around the corner despite five teams reportedly being interested in him, including the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox. At this point, the Tigers and Red Sox are his most likely landing spots. The 31-year-old veteran rejected a $21.05 million qualifying offer from Houston, so any team that signs him this offseason will have to forfeit draft compensation to the Astros. Wherever Bregman ends up, he should remain a regular starter at the hot corner. The two-time All-Star won his first Gold Glove at third in 2024 and also hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored in 145 regular-season games.
Tigers And Red Sox Emerge As "Co-Favorites" To Land Alex Bregman
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox have emerged as the "co-favorites" to land free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. Throughout the offseason, both of these clubs have been at the forefront of discussions about landing the 30-year-old. If Bregman were to sign with Detroit, he would be penciled in as their everyday third baseman. However, in Boston, he would likely be shifted to second base, as the team has emphasized that Rafael Devers is their third baseman. Although, given Bregman's elite defensive play at the hot corner, he may eventually shift to that position. In addition, the Houston Astros have also expressed interest in resigning Bregman. Last season, the LSU product posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs. He showed an elite eye at the plate with a stellar 13.6 percent strikeout rate.
According to his agent Scott Boras, free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who won his first Gold Glove in 2024 at third base, is willing to move to second base, the position that he'd play if he signed with the Boston Red Sox. If Bregman were to re-sign with the Astros, he'd almost certainly stay at the hot corner, with Isaac Paredes moving to second base and All-Star Jose Altuve moving to left field. Bregman only has 32 innings of experience at the keystone, but he was a shortstop in college at LSU and has appeared in 257 games professionally at the 6, likely making the transition to second fairly seamless. Paredes, meanwhile, has played only 67 games at second compared to 335 games at third. Re-signing Bregman would lessen the offensive blow of trading Kyle Tucker to the Cubs this offseason, but it would also give the Astros questionable defense at second and in left field.
According to Ari Alexander of KPRC2, Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown believes it is a "long shot" for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman to return to Houston for the 2025 season. Bregman is viewed as the top bat on the free agent market and has been linked to several teams throughout the offseason, including the Chicago Cubs. However, earlier this offseason, the Houston Astros acquired Isaac Paredes to cover the hot corner. However, if Bregman were to work out a contract with Houston, Paredes would shift to the keystone, which would move Jose Altuve to the outfield. Last season, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 line with 26 home runs and three stolen bases. He showed an elite eye at the plate with a 13.6% K rate, making him more valuable in points leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Bregman's status throughout the offseason, as his fantasy stock could rise if he were to join a competitive lineup.
Astros, Cubs Showing Significant Interest In Alex Bregman
The New York Post's Jon Heyman reports that the Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs are believed to be showing significant interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, with the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox also still involved. The Astros were believed to have moved earlier this offseason, but they've rekindled interest in bringing him back since he's still available and are even considering moving Isaac Paredes to second base and All-Star Jose Altuve to left field to accommodate a move. Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glover last year, was a big clubhouse guy in Houston and is still revered by many of their current players, including Altuve. He managed 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored while slashing .260/.315/.453 in 145 games in 2024. It's unknown if the Astros are willing to up their previous offer to Bregman of six years and $156 million.
The Houston Astros have resumed talking with free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman in recent days, three league sources have told The Athletic's Chandler Rome. Just a month ago, it seemed impossible that the Astros would re-sign Bregman, especially after trading for third baseman Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker. The Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays and Detroit Tigers have had interest in Bregman this offseason, but no deal has been reached. Houston's offer to Bregman remains on the table, but it's unclear if they will move off their six-year, $156 million offer. Owner Jim Crane has never given out a deal longer than five years or more expensive than $95 million. He's also unwilling to go over the luxury-tax threshold for a second straight season. Although the 30-year-old Bregman is no longer in his prime, he was a Gold Glover in 2024 an unquestioned leader in the clubhouse. If Bregman returns, he would be at third base, with Paredes possible moving to second base and Jose Altuve potentially shifting to left field.
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Detroit Tigers and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman remain at a standstill in contract negotiations. The Tigers have been viewed as one of the favorites to land the Gold Glover throughout most of the offseason but have been unable to reach a final agreement. Bregman is reportedly still eyeing a long-term deal. However, seeing that both sides still have "mutual interest" suggests they could eventually work out a deal. Bregman has also been targeted by the Houston Astros, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, among others. Last summer in Houston, Bregman posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs. He has always shown an elite eye at the plate, boasting a career 13.6% strikeout rate. Bregman would provide a much-needed veteran presence to a young Detroit infield.
Astros Leaving The Door Open For Alex Bregman Return
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said on Monday that the team is open to the possibility of re-signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. "Our arms are still open. The door is still open. There's always a chance," Espada said. The Astros are leaving the door open, but it's still unlikely there will be a reunion after the team signed Christian Walker to play first base and acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Chicago Cubs this winter. In the unlikely event that Bregman did re-sign with Houston, the Astros would probably have to move one of Walker or Paredes to a full-time designated-hitter role. The Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers might be the most likely landing spots for the 30-year-old veteran this offseason. The two-time All-Star dealt with injuries down the stretch in 2024 and finished with a .260/.315/.453 slash line, 26 homers, 75 RBI and 79 runs scored in 145 games played.