Alex Bregman remains one of the most intriguing free agents on the market this winter. Jon Heyman of the New York Post predicts Bregman will sign a deal worth $170 million, slightly less than the reported $200 million he desires but more than the offer the Houston Astros have made.
Bregman has become a key target for the New York Yankees after they missed out on superstar Juan Soto. It seems the free agent battle is shaping up to be a showdown between Houston and New York, echoing the rivalry seen in the American League Championship Series from 2017, 2019, and 2022.
FanSided’s Michael Brakebill recently predicted that Bregman would re-sign with Houston this offseason, despite the Astros’ recent trade for All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes. Brakebill acknowledged the difficulty in predicting Bregman’s next move, noting that Houston’s trade for Paredes could signal the end of their pursuit of Bregman, or it could be a clever leverage play by Astros owner Jim Crane.
While it remains possible for Bregman to return to Houston, Brakebill believes that teams outside of the Astros, including the Yankees or even the Detroit Tigers, might be willing to pay him the salary he is seeking, especially since big-market teams don’t have an immediate need for a third baseman.
If Bregman were planning to stay in Houston, it likely would have been finalized by now, especially since the team has also been linked to St. Louis Cardinals’ third baseman Nolan Arenado in a potential blockbuster trade. All signs currently suggest Bregman may be headed elsewhere, despite Brakebill’s prediction that he could stay with the Astros.
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