18 hours Ago By Kevin Hickey
There was plenty of smoke regarding a potential fit between the New York Yankees and star free-agent Alex Bregman, but it appears to have been just that. Though general manager Brian Cashman confirmed they had discussions with Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, the notion of bringing the longtime Houston Astros third baseman to The Bronx seems to be dying down entering the new calendar year. Beyond the financial question marks that would come with signing Bregman to a potential $200 million deal , which is what he's reportedly seeking, the Yankees reportedly have other concerns about his fit away from Houston, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post .
"Yankees people love Alex Bregman but question whether Yankee Stadium is right for him. Possible they hope DJ LeMahieu regains health to fill 3B," wrote Heyman. This has been the biggest question pertaining to Bregman's profile.
Though he's a strong all-around hitter, the Crawford Boxes in left field at Minute Maid Park would no longer be there at Yankee Stadium. On top of that, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com threw some cold water on a potential fit between Bregman and the Yankees earlier this week.
"When you look at the teams that are still in the market at third base, the Yankees keep getting brought up," Feinsand said . "I don't see them being interested enough after spending the money they already spent on Max Fried, bringing in the Cody Bellinger contract, Devin Williams — I don't see them spending the big money on Bregman." Coming off somewhat of a down year by his standards, Bregman hit 26 home runs with a .
768 OPS in 2024. If he played every game at Yankee Stadium in 2024, Bregman would have finished with 25 home runs, compared to 31 at Minute Maid Park, according to Baseball Savant . Granted, no player plays 162 games at one stadium, but it gives an idea of what half of a season would look like in The Bronx.
Bregman would still be an upgrade at third base while the Yankees would move Jazz Chisholm to second base, but then it becomes a question of whether a slight dip in offensive production would be worth the value of a $200 million contract. Anything can happen once the hot stove gets going again, but it appears the Yankees are cooling on the two-time All-Star. MORE MLB: Yankees promising shortstop lauded for defensive prowess.
