The New York Yankees have reportedly decided against pursuing Alex Bregman in free agency, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. This decision comes as the team assesses its infield depth and evaluates its budget constraints, choosing to focus on other areas of the roster that need attention.
Bregman, a 30-year-old third baseman, is expected to command a significant contract in the range of seven years and $200 million. He is coming off a solid 2024 season in which he hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a 118 wRC+. His consistent bat and solid defensive skills, including 6 defensive runs saved and 6 outs above average at third base, make him one of the top free-agent targets this offseason.
However, the Yankees’ decision not to target Bregman likely stems from the current state of their infield. The team already has DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza on the roster. While LeMahieu remains a versatile and experienced option who can play multiple infield positions, his offensive production has declined in recent seasons. Cabrera and Peraza, on the other hand, offer younger, cost-effective alternatives, with Cabrera providing flexibility and Peraza showcasing strong defensive abilities and potential offensive growth.
In addition to not pursuing Bregman, the Yankees are also reportedly uninterested in acquiring Nolan Arenado, further narrowing their options for upgrading the infield. This reflects their current strategy of focusing on improving other parts of the roster, such as the outfield or bullpen, while relying on their existing infield options.
The Yankees are also facing significant luxury tax concerns and have already committed to high-profile acquisitions, including pitcher Max Fried. With financial flexibility becoming an increasingly important factor, allocating a large contract to Bregman would further limit the team’s ability to address other roster needs. Instead, the Yankees seem to be prioritizing cost-effective solutions for their infield while leaving room for flexibility in other areas, such as adding to their bullpen or bolstering their outfield.
