As the New York Yankees aim for a playoff return in 2024 following a busy offseason marked by major acquisitions, notably the trade for standout slugger Juan Soto, speculation about the upcoming free-agent class has already begun.
In a recent article for the New York Post, Joel Sherman delved into the future market for Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series winner. Bregman is anticipated to command a lucrative nine-year, $286 million deal when he hits free agency at the end of the current season. Sherman suggested that a potential bidding war could unfold between the Yankees and their local rivals, the Mets, as they compete to secure Bregman’s services for the 2025 season.
“I anticipate more financial showdowns between the Mets and Yankees,” Sherman noted. “And one intriguing battle on the horizon could be for the services of Alex Bregman.”
The New York Yankees Would Get an Upgrade at Third With Alex Bregman
Describing the potential interest of the New York Yankees in Alex Bregman, Sherman pointed out that he would address a significant gap on the team’s roster as a third baseman. The current projected starter at third base for the 2024 season, D.J. LeMahieu, is aging at 35, while their next viable option, Oswald Peraza, lacks experience at the major league level.
The Yankees are hesitant about relying on Oswald Peraza as a regular starter, and there are no promising prospects in the minor leagues ready to compete for the position yet. Additionally, there is a possibility that LeMahieu could have a strong season and move back to second base, especially with Gleyber Torres approaching free agency, creating a need for a third baseman.
Although LeMahieu is set to lead off for the Yankees at the start of the 2024 season, his disappointing .243 batting average from last season suggests that he needs to improve to maintain his role. Peraza, at 23 years old, struggled with a .191/.267/.272 slash line last season, indicating why the Yankees may not view him as a long-term solution at third base.
With an impressive career batting line of .274/.373/.487, Alex Bregman has consistently performed well, hitting 25 home runs and 98 RBIs last season. He received MVP votes in 2022 and 2023, and was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019. In his standout season of 2019, he recorded 41 homers and 112 RBIs, earning a Silver Slugger award.
While the Houston Astros might consider extending Bregman, similar to Jose Altuve’s five-year, $151 million deal, the expected cost could be a major hurdle. According to Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, Bregman and his agent Scott Boras are likely seeking a lucrative contract worthy of a prime player, which could pose challenges given the Astros owner’s historical reluctance to agree to such deals.
Forecasting the New York Yankees’ Competitions in Free Agency for 2025
Sherman not only pointed out a connection between the Yankees and Bregman but also suggested that the team might find itself in intense bidding competitions with the Mets for other high-profile free agents following the 2024 season.
“There’s been speculation that both New York teams will engage in a tense battle for Juan Soto next year,” he mentioned. “Unless any lingering animosity remains from a heated arbitration case in February 2023 that led to public criticism by Corbin Burnes against the Brewers — a time when Mets president David Stearns was serving as an advisor and not directly managing baseball operations — it’s likely that the talented pitcher will attract interest from both New York franchises.”
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