Third baseman Alex Bregman remains unsigned with spring training around the corner. That may not be the case for long.
Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that three teams — the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros — have made offers of at least four years to Bregman. However, Nightengale also reported that none of those offers match Bregman’s asking price.
Bregman shook off a slow start to 2024 to put together another solid season. He posted a .260/.315/.453 batting line in his 634 plate appearances, hitting 26 homers and 30 doubles. Bregman continued to impress defensively at third, leading the American League with 12 zone runs saved at the hot corner as he took home his first Gold Glove award.
While details of the Red Sox and Tigers’ offers are unknown, the Astros reportedly have a six-year, $156 million contract on the table for Bregman. Nightengale had previously reported that the Astros’ trade of reliever Ryan Pressly opened up salary to make a potential return more realistic.
Bregman’s contract demands have not changed since the start of free agency. He was reportedly looking for a contract worth $200 million and has indicated he is not interested in taking a short-term deal.
Bregman’s time in free agency may come down to which side blinks first. If Bregman remains unsigned as Opening Day approaches, he may decide to cut his losses and try his luck in free agency again next offseason. Likewise, a team could decide that they are one impact bat away from contending for a World Series and acquiesce to his demands.
Several teams are interested in bringing third baseman Bregman on board. Nonetheless, his time in free agency shows no signs of ending soon.