Is Alex Bregman a free agent that the Yankees should sign?
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, “Yankees fans adore Alex Bregman but wonder if Yankee Stadium is the right place for him.” “They might be hoping DJ LeMahieu gets well so he can play 3B.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. plays the other position, and DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza are available at second or third base as it stands. Bregman would fill that hold, but he would need a long-term deal, and the Yankees would have to pay draft compensation because he declined the Houston Astros’ qualifying offer.
The Yankees may have a valid point when it comes to the stadium issues. Bregman, who plays in a ballpark that is conducive to right-handed hitters, has blasted 210 home runs in his career. According to Baseball Savant, he would have only hit 153 home runs if he had played every game of his career at Yankee Stadium. Therefore, even though Bregman is still a good player and may be useful to the Yankees, the team probably wouldn’t gain as much offensive output from him as the Astros did.
How are the Yankees going to cover the infield gap?
Carlos Santana was the Yankees’ fallback option for Paul Goldschmidt.
The Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year deal, which resolved their first base issue. The alternatives at second and third base are limited because they are aware that they are unlikely to pursue Bregman. The St. Louis Cardinals are reportedly attempting to trade for Nolan Arenado, but the Yankees are reportedly not interested in him. The Yankees are reportedly not inclined to re-sign Gleyber Torres, despite the fact that he is also a fit.
With some speculating on Tampa Bay Rays player Brandon Lowe, New York may have some unexpected trade options to consider. But acquiring him from a division opponent could be difficult. Ha-Seong Kim is an option in free agency; he may miss the first part of the season due to a shoulder issue, but the Yankees could use his speed and defense.
The Yankees, however, are almost at the $301 million maximum luxury tax level for 2025. To keep under that total, the Yankees would probably trade someone off their existing roster if they were bringing in a second or third base player. One apparent option for a transfer is Trent Grisham, but so is Marcus Stroman.
The Yankees will probably try to sign a second or third baseman before the season begins, though it may take some time and the possibilities are not clear.
