The New York Yankees have just lost the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While the sting of defeat is still fresh, they will now shift their focus to next season and what their roster needs to make a return to the Fall Classic. Could longtime Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman be the key to helping the Yankees overcome this hurdle?
Re-signing outfielder Juan Soto will be New York’s top priority. However, Bleacher Report’s Erik Beaston predicts that the left-handed slugger may end up signing with the New York Mets this offseason.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned Bregman and outfielder Anthony Santander as potential alternatives for the Yankees if they fail to secure Soto. Beaston noted, “With Soto expected to go to the Mets, look for the Yankees to make a move elsewhere, with Bregman being a strong possibility to join the team and fill a position where they need an upgrade.”
Bregman’s market value is estimated at four years and $119 million according to Spotrac, but his agent, Scott Boras, is likely to seek a higher amount. Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report previously predicted that Bregman could land a $210 million contract.
**Bregman Would Address the Yankees’ Needs**
Jazz Chisholm Jr. played extensively at third base after his acquisition at the trade deadline, although he spent the early years of his career with the Miami Marlins at second base.
Gleyber Torres currently holds that second base position but is about to enter free agency. If he does not return, Chisholm could take over at second, leaving third base open—a position the Yankees desperately need to upgrade. In 2024, New York’s third basemen combined for just 3.4 WAR, ranking eighth in the league, with most of that production coming from Chisholm, who contributed 2.1 WAR in only 45 games.
Bregman would bring much-needed stability to the Yankees. From 2022 to 2024, the two-time All-Star posted a slash line of .260/.349/.449 for Houston, averaging 25 home runs, 32 doubles, 89 RBIs, and 92 runs per season.
**Will the Yankees Pursue Alex Bregman?**
Joel Reuter identified the Yankees as the least likely fit for Bregman in an October 11 article on Bleacher Report, noting, “The bad blood between the Astros and Yankees from the sign-stealing scandal could make the idea of signing Bregman a non-starter. However, it’s worth considering how he might be received by the fanbase, especially given the Yankees’ clear need at third base.”
The Yankees’ offseason strategy hinges largely on Soto’s decision. If he re-signs with New York, interest in Bregman may wane. However, if Soto chooses another team, the rumors surrounding Bregman could gain traction.
