ESPN: The Yankees are “heavy favorites” to sign the former slugger with 41 home runs.

After losing Juan Soto to free agency, the New York Yankees have done a good job of rebuilding their club.

In exchange for closer Devin Williams, the Yankees acquired starting pitcher Max Fried. After that, New York made a trade for Cody Bellinger and signed Paul Goldschmidt. Regardless of Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s position, the Yankees still require a third baseman or a second baseman after all the trades.

After that, Zach Pressnell of Newsweek thinks the Yankees will focus on Alex Bregman, and he thinks the great third baseman will probably end up in the Bronx.

Pressnell noted, “General manager Brian Cashman chose a less expensive option at first base.” The Yankees chose not to sign another slugger on the market, Pete Alonso. The Yankees need to upgrade at third base, so keeping first base cheap allows them to spend more money there. Who is the finest choice available?

Alex Bregman, the Astros’ veteran third baseman. This winter, Bregman has been associated with the Yankees for a long time,” Pressnell continued. However, the race is competitive due to a few additional teams. The Astros were formerly thought to be the favorites, but it appears like Houston is no longer in the running for Bregman after signing Walker.

Bregman has been contacted by the Yankees in free agency, and he is undoubtedly a good fit for the team. He would be a reliable defensive third baseman for the Yankees and a middle-of-the-order batsman.

The Yankees are the “heavy favorite” to sign Bregman, according to one analyst.
According to Pressnell, the Yankees are the front-runners to acquire Bregman since New York did not spend as much money on first base as anticipated.

According to Pressnell, the match is ideal for both parties, and Bregman is among the best free-agent hitters available.

The veteran Astro would significantly close the Yankees’ greatest roster gap. Jazz Chisholm Jr. would slide to second base and Bregman would take his place at third base. While Bregman is a significant improvement over former Yankee Gleyber Torres, this lets Chisholm play his natural position,” Pressnell said. “New York is now the clear favorite to win Bregman.”

In 2024, while playing for the Houston Astros, Bregman hit.260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs. In 2019, he hit 41 home runs and 119 RBIs, which is his career high.

Bregman has won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and has been named to the All-Star team thrice.

In free agency, what is Bregman anticipated to receive?
Bregman is anticipated to sign a multi-year contract because he is one of the best free agents available.

According to MLBTradeRumors’ annual Top 50 free agent forecast, Bregman would agree to a $182 million, seven-year contract.

“Bregman isn’t taking advantage of free agency at the best moment. At age 31, he will play next season. For a free agent, it isn’t “old,” but it will probably keep him from landing a contract longer than seven years. He should receive offers of at least six years, but it’s unclear if a seven-year agreement (or longer) is in the cards. Matt Chapman just agreed to a $151 million, six-year contract deal that will start in his age-32 season. As the younger and more reliable offensive player, Bregman should surpass that, which will be seen as somewhat of a floor, according to the report.