As the Yankees continue to navigate free agency, one major question has emerged: will GM Brian Cashman’s deep-rooted disdain for the Houston Astros, stemming from their 2017 sign-stealing scandal, prevent him from pursuing star third baseman Alex Bregman? This question has become especially relevant after the Yankees missed out on Juan Soto and failed to secure a trade for Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Bregman remains a free agent, and with the Astros looking to move on from him following their trade of Tucker to the Cubs, the third baseman’s future in Houston appears uncertain. Cashman has made no secret of his belief that the Yankees could have won the 2017 World Series if not for the Astros’ cheating scandal. While Bregman wasn’t directly implicated, he was a central figure on that team, making the prospect of signing him a potentially difficult pill for Cashman to swallow.
However, in a recent interview with NJ.com, Cashman gave a surprising hint that he might be open to adding Bregman to the Yankees. When asked if he would consider signing the third baseman, Cashman said, “My job is to find a way to make us as quality as we can year in and year out. We’re going to vet every opportunity out there. First and foremost, find out if that can match. He’s been a thorn in our side for years along with a lot of other peoples’ side. He’s now into free agency. I’m sure he’s got a whole boatload of choices. Really good players like him make a lot of money.” He added that he had spoken with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, and respects the player’s ability and success, but didn’t go into further details.
Bregman, who hit 26 home runs and batted .260 last season, is a two-time All-Star with a nine-year tenure in Houston. Following a down year, he may be seeking a fresh start, and his tweet saying, “Thank you Houston,” further suggests he could be moving on from the Astros.
Although Bregman won’t come cheap, his projected four-year, $120 million contract is within the Yankees’ financial reach. With their recent trade for reliever Devin Williams, sending top second-base prospect Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee, the Yankees are likely to shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, creating space for a third baseman.
While Bregman’s options are narrowing, the Yankees face competition from their bitter rivals, the Boston Red Sox, who could spark a bidding war for the talented third baseman.
