Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is back in the news, as the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly ready to make him an offer as they sense a likely departure of two players from the team.
While there is no official confirmation yet, given that Bregman is looking for a long-term deal worth $200 million, the Canadian team’s offer makes a lot of sense.
Alex Bregman’s impressive performance cannot be ignored, as he had an OPS of 1.240, 375/.490/.750, which helped the Astros win the World Series in 2017 and 2022.
However, Bregman’s stay in Houston is unlikely due to the salary the third baseman is seeking, something the Astros are not very interested in, according to essentiallysports.com.
Toronto’s interest in Alex Bregman
The Toronto Blue Jays are currently in a peculiar situation with the impending free agency of their superstar, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is out of contract at the end of the 2025 season and would become a free agent.
His impressive .323 average, 30 home runs and 103 RBIs in 2024 do not seem to be enough for the Blue Jays to extend his contract, which is a cause for concern.
While shortstop Bo Bichette will also become a free agent, he played only 81 games in 2024 due to injuries.
“If there is no extension available for Vladimir and Bo, they will both be free, so it’s better for Toronto to have something they can offer their fans beyond 2025,” analyst Jim Riley said.
“Toronto may find themselves in a situation where they feel the urgency to close this deal and therefore, they could give Bregman the years, the dollars, that other teams are not willing to do,” he added.
The Blue Jays already have Anthony Santander, so if they can get Bregman, it will be a game changer. Riley even mentioned how Bregman could act as a leader and impart his experience and skills to the team’s new players.
The other American League East team looking for Bregman
The team has also taken it upon itself to seek the services of the New Mexico native with the Boston Red Sox, who surprisingly now stand as favorites to sign the third baseman.
Boston needs a right-handed hitter and Bregman fits that bill. The Red Sox pursuit of Bregman not only aligns with their strategic goal of improving their lineup, but also ensures that they will add a right-handed hitter they so desperately need.
In addition, his defensive skills and experience also put him in a position of additional leadership, and while the strategy to pursue Bregman is realistic, it also fuels rumors that a lucrative deal is in the offing.
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