OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - JULY 25: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros bats against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the six inning at RingCentral Coliseum on July 25, 2022 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees are deeply immersed in the 2024 MLB postseason race, while also contending with the Baltimore Orioles for dominance in the American League East. As they focus on the current season, thoughts are also turning to how the 2025 roster might look. Could Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman be part of their future plans?
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic suggested this possibility, mentioning Bregman and Matt Chapman as key targets in the third baseman market. Rosenthal highlighted that the Yankees, along with teams like the Mariners, Diamondbacks, and Mets, could be in the mix for Bregman, especially if they decide to shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base to replace Gleyber Torres.
Bregman is nearing the end of his five-year, $100 million contract with the Astros and will likely seek a substantial payday as he approaches his age-31 season in 2025. Predictions from Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer suggest that Bregman could command a $210 million deal in free agency. While Rymer speculates that Bregman might re-sign with Houston, it ultimately depends on how the market unfolds and what other teams are willing to offer.
For the Yankees, acquiring Bregman would require some infield adjustments, particularly if they lose outfielder Juan Soto in free agency. Shifting Chisholm to second base could clear the way for Bregman at third. This isn’t the first time Bregman has been linked to the Yankees, with Joel Sherman of the New York Post previously mentioning both the Yankees and Mets as potential suitors.
The Yankees have struggled with consistency at third base this season, with their third basemen contributing a combined 1.9 fWAR, ranking them 15th in MLB. However, much of that value has come from Jazz Chisholm Jr., while the rest of their third basemen have had limited impact.
Bregman, who had a slow start to the 2024 season, has since turned things around, posting strong numbers since June. His resurgence could position him for a significant contract in the range of $150 to $200 million. The key questions will be how the market for third basemen develops and whether the Astros are prepared to go the distance to keep him.
