At this week’s Winter Meetings, rumors swirled that some Yankees executives felt a sense of relief when superstar outfielder Juan Soto opted to sign with the Mets instead of accepting their lucrative offer.
With Soto choosing a 15-year, $365 million deal with the Mets, the Yankees now have financial flexibility to address multiple roster gaps created by free-agent departures. Without Soto’s projected $47.5 million annual salary over the next 16 years, they’ve already started making moves. In the past week, the Yankees bolstered their starting rotation by signing free-agent lefty Max Fried for $218 million and significantly upgraded their bullpen by acquiring two-time All-Star reliever Devin Williams from the Brewers. The trade sent left-hander Nestor Cortes and second-base prospect Caleb Durbin to Milwaukee.
The Yankees’ next target could be even bigger: free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. They’ve already pursued All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker, though he was traded from the Astros to the Cubs on Friday.
Surprisingly, the Yankees are willing to pursue Bregman despite his controversial history as a key member of the 2017 Astros, the team embroiled in the sign-stealing scandal that defeated New York in the ALCS and went on to win the World Series. MLB.com Yankees beat writer Bryan Hoch added to the speculation, tweeting, “Hearing more buzz connecting Yankees to Alex Bregman. Interest is real.”
The Astros had prioritized re-signing Bregman, offering him a six-year, $156 million extension. However, their blockbuster trade with the Cubs—returning third baseman Isaac Paredes and top third-base prospect Cam Smith—could signal a shift in focus. Bregman, who reportedly seeks a contract worth at least $200 million, may now be on the move.
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi tied the Astros’ decision to deal Tucker directly to Bregman’s free agency. He suggested the Red Sox might be the Yankees’ biggest competition for Bregman, citing his strong connection to Red Sox manager Alex Cora, Houston’s bench coach during the 2017 season. If Bregman signs with Boston, he could move to second base, showcasing his versatility.
“The Tigers are also a potential sleeper team in the Bregman sweepstakes,” wrote Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report. He noted their budget flexibility and need for a big bat to solidify their status as AL Central favorites.
Now 30, Bregman hit .260 with 26 home runs, 72 RBIs, and a .768 OPS in 2024. Over his nine-year career with the Astros, the former second overall pick in the 2015 draft has posted a .272 batting average, 191 home runs, and two All-Star selections (2018, 2019). He also added a Gold Glove to his resume this season.
Meanwhile, Kyle Tucker, who is one year away from free agency, ended up with the Cubs after the Astros declined offers from the Yankees, Phillies, and others.
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