For much of the free agency period, Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman was expected to re-sign with the team. However, after the two sides were nearly $50 million apart in contract negotiations, the Astros shifted their focus elsewhere, acquiring Isaac Paredes to play third base and Christian Walker for first base. With Houston seemingly out of the race, the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers have emerged as the leading contenders for Bregman.
The Yankees could make sense if they are willing to spend another $200 million after their significant offseason investments, though the financial burden might be a hurdle. The Red Sox would only be a logical fit if they traded first baseman Triston Casas, allowing Rafael Devers to move to first base, with Bregman taking over at third. However, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand doesn’t consider either AL East team a serious contender. He doubts the Yankees will commit the money to bring Bregman in and suggests Boston would only pursue him if it trades Casas.
While Feinsand doesn’t directly name the Tigers as the frontrunner, his belief that the Yankees and Red Sox may back off suggests Detroit could be in the lead. However, he does not entirely rule out the possibility of the Yankees or Red Sox making a push for Bregman. If forced to pick a favorite, Feinsand leans toward Detroit, noting that the Tigers need an infielder and offering Bregman a $200 million deal could be a strategic move to win back fan support after a rough season.
