The New York Yankees are actively seeking offensive reinforcements following the loss of Juan Soto, who signed a record-setting 15-year, $765 million contract with the New York Mets. Soto’s departure leaves a significant gap in the Yankees’ lineup, as his 41 home runs and career-high 7.9 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) will be challenging to replace. Despite the presence of Aaron Judge and a rejuvenated Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees are exploring options to inject fresh energy into their batting order. One notable name on their radar is Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.
According to Bryan Hoch, a respected MLB.com Yankees beat writer, the team’s interest in Bregman is substantial. Hoch shared via his X (formerly Twitter) account that the Yankees are “hearing more buzz” about Bregman and that their pursuit is genuine.
Bregman’s Link to the Red Sox Creates an Opening for the Yankees
Bregman, now 30 years old, has been linked to the Boston Red Sox, but reports suggest internal disagreements within the organization over pursuing him. Manager Alex Cora, who worked with Bregman during his time on the Astros’ coaching staff in 2017, and team President Sam Kennedy reportedly support signing Bregman. However, Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow remains hesitant, creating a deadlock within the Red Sox’s front office.
This hesitation by Boston opens the door for the Yankees to make a competitive bid for Bregman. The Astros have expressed a desire to retain him but have reportedly fallen short in meeting his contract expectations, which start at $200 million. Their offer currently lags by approximately $50 million. If the Yankees succeed in acquiring Bregman, he would take over at third base, allowing Jazz Chisholm to shift back to his natural position at second base, which has been vacant since Gleyber Torres left in free agency.
The Top Offensive Talent on the Market
With Soto and former Brewers shortstop Willy Adames now off the market, Bregman is widely regarded as the best offensive player still available. CBS Sports columnist R.J. Anderson highlighted that Bregman’s willingness to switch positions, if needed, enhances his value. However, a move to the Yankees wouldn’t require such an adjustment, allowing him to focus on his strengths as a third baseman.
Over nine seasons with the Astros, Bregman has established himself as a consistent offensive and defensive force. He has tallied 191 home runs and maintained a .768 OPS during his career. Beyond his regular-season contributions, his extensive playoff experience makes him particularly appealing to a Yankees team aiming to end its World Series drought, which dates back to 2009. Bregman’s postseason resume includes three World Series appearances and two championships in 2017 and 2022.
Leadership and Playoff Experience
Bregman’s value extends beyond statistics. In every full season he has played since 2017, he has been a postseason fixture. While the Astros’ 2024 playoff run ended prematurely with a Wild Card loss to the Detroit Tigers, Bregman’s leadership and playoff pedigree could prove invaluable for a Yankees team looking to return to championship form. As the Yankees strategize their offseason moves, Bregman represents a high-impact option capable of filling a significant void in their lineup.
