Alex Bregman is the best free agent currently, if not ultimately. But with his stature and future aspirations comes a greater ask. The talented third baseman, who recently turned 30, finds himself in a favorable position as a sought-after free agent this offseason.
With interest from teams like the Tigers, Astros, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Cubs, it’s clear that he has many takers. Bregman has made it known that he is looking for a deal for at least six years. Well, that ask is far from fulfilled as of now, given every seeking team’s own issues. Recently, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the mix about Bregman’s current situation.
“There are mitigating factors, of course. He’s[Alex Bregman] not the hitter he was in 2018 and 2019. An outlay north of $150 million in February or March is rare. (The last to get such a deal in a non-lockout year were Bryce Harper and Manny Machado in 2019.) Teams have been happy to wait on Bregman and challenge him to find a deal for more than the six years and $156 million he turned down from Houston earlier this offseason,” Passan reported.
Alex Bregman is expected to sign with the Cubs, Red Sox or Tigers.
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) February 11, 2025
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Although, Bregman still has high aspirations for long-term commitment given the scarcity of top-tier infield talent available in upcoming seasons. The Tigers are evaluating the potential of their prospects at third base, while the Astros have recently acquired Isaac Paredes for the position.
The Red Sox have their star third baseman in Rafael Devers and are focusing on developing young talent. And that leaves them less inclined to pursue Bregman aggressively. Each club must weigh their current roster and future needs against the potentially high cost of signing him, especially as Bregman turned down a significant offer from Houston earlier this offseason.
Chicago Cubs Are Making Moves For Alex Bregman
While Bregman still has time to finally don a new jersey, things have started moving accordingly. Cubs manager Craig Counsell recently addressed the team’s infield situation amid ongoing rumors surrounding the third baseman.
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With the Cubs shifting into win-now mode this offseason, Counsell emphasized that the plans are in place for top prospect Matt Shaw to step up and take command of the hot corner.
“The Cubs remain in the mix for both free agents, whose markets overlap to a degree. Signing (Bregman) to a shorter-term, high-salary contract modeled after Cody Bellinger’s deal. If Bregman isn’t adamant about a six- or seven-year pact, would be a logical next move in the organization’s multiyear rebuild,” Counsell said.
Alex Bregman could reportedly be a fit for the Cubs if he shifts his focus to a shorter-term deal.#MLBNHotStove pic.twitter.com/B3eEm09kZh
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) January 15, 2025
Shaw, who had an impressive 2024 season with a solid .284/.379/.488 slash line across Double-A and Triple-A, is poised to get the first opportunity at third base. Counsell made it clear that Shaw is currently the front-runner for the position. This clarity in the depth chart is crucial, especially as the Cubs charge their roster amid an important offseason filled with speculations.
However, the potential acquisition of Bregman looms large over these developments. While the Cubs are optimistic about Shaw’s prospects, the allure of landing Bregman, could change the landscape significantly.
Also Read: MLB Fans Respond As Alex Bregman Stays Adamant For A Long-Term Deal
