Tag: Bregman

  • Alex Bregman, Scott Boras are letting Red Sox lose a pointless game of chicken


    Two things appear to be true beyond a shadow of a doubt this offseason as it pertains to Alex Bregman. The first we’ve seen time and again is that Scott Boras has no problem waiting deep into the winter in order to get his client the deal he wants. Secondarily, though, the Boston Red Sox remain the most obvious landing spot for Bregman but want to try and play a game of chicken with the All-Star infielder.

    The writing has been on the wall for some time this offseason that there is some sort of divide in the Red Sox organization about the desire to sign Bregman, who would move to second base in Boston. Because of that, it’s then appeared that Craig Breslow is trying to wait out the Bregman market as he remains unsigned, though it remains unclear if he’s waiting out a lower AAV, fewer years, or both.

    Playing this waiting game, however, might be about to backfire on the Red Sox because Bregman and Boras both appear content to let them lose if they can get the deal they want elsewhere.

    For more news and rumors, check out MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast, subscribe to The Moonshot, our weekly MLB newsletter, and join the discord to get the inside scoop during the MLB offseason.

    On the latest episode of the Section 10 Podcast, noted Red Sox “insider” or at least connected person in the media did not paint an optimistic picture for Boston in the Bregman sweepstakes. Not only did he say that he felt the team’s chances were currently at about 1% right now to sign him but also noted in a Twitter reply earlier in the day that there are more offers out there than might be reported, meaning the market is hotter than the public might realize.

    It’s important to note that Carrabis did mention that things can change and could do so quickly, as is always the case in MLB free agency. At the same time, however, what he alluded to needing to change is really the problem with the Red Sox current pursuit.

    Carrabis said that Boston’s front office and their offers have been akin to being “too cute” or trying to maneuever in a way that ultimately doesn’t give Bregman what he wants. That’s not what any fan wants to hear, especially when it comes to a player who so rightly feels like the missing piece for this lineup.

    That brings us back to Boras and Bregman, though. The agent, in particular, is not the right guy to try and get cute with. If there is indeed a better market for the third baseman than we think, then the game of chicken should be blown past and, if the Red Sox truly believe that Bregman can help this baseball team, then they should pony up at least a comparable offer to what he’s looking for, not something too cute and overly team-friendly.

    I still don’t believe that the offseason is Bregman-or-bust for Boston. This team is notably better than it was a year ago with the additions of Garrett Crochet, Walker Buehler, Aroldis Chapman and so on. Furthermore, if they don’t sign Bregman, there could still be avenues to add a much-needed right-handed bat.

    But with how obvious the fit is, the Red Sox simply can’t lose out on Bregman if they want him because they’re trying to outsmart themselves. Boras won’t bite on that and that’s why he hasn’t yet. It’s the perfect matchon the board right now and Breslow would and should be left kicking himself if he loses a game of chicken that it’s seeming like there’s no way of winning at this point in the proceedings.



    Alex Bregman, star third baseman for the Houston Astros, and his agent Scott Boras are playing a dangerous game of chicken with the Boston Red Sox. Bregman, who is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season, has reportedly turned down a contract extension offer from the Red Sox, leaving the team in a tough spot.

    While Bregman is undoubtedly one of the top players in the league, his refusal to negotiate with the Red Sox could ultimately hurt both parties. The Red Sox, who are in desperate need of a reliable third baseman, are now left scrambling to find a suitable replacement for Bregman. On the other hand, Bregman risks losing out on a potentially lucrative contract if he continues to play hardball with the team.

    It’s clear that both Bregman and Boras are trying to maximize their value in this situation, but at what cost? By refusing to negotiate with the Red Sox, they are not only hurting the team’s chances of success, but also potentially damaging Bregman’s reputation in the process.

    In the end, it seems that Bregman and Boras are letting the Red Sox lose a pointless game of chicken. Hopefully, both sides can come to a resolution before it’s too late.

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    2. Scott Boras
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    #Alex #Bregman #Scott #Boras #letting #Red #Sox #lose #pointless #game #chicken

  • Alex Bregman Suitor Not Out Amid Red Sox Interest


    The Boston Red Sox reportedly is one of two teams heavily linked to Alex Bregman, but one suitor might not be completely out.

    When the Astros signed Christian Walker and acquired Isaac Paredes in a trade, it seemed like they crossed out the idea of bringing Bregman to Houston.

    However, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale on Thursday, the Astros “are keeping the door ajar” for the possibility of Bregman’s return. The MLB insider added that Joe Espada’s side isn’t optimistic about the idea with the All-Star fielding two “serious offers.” It was not made clear if the Red Sox or Detroit Tigers were one of those teams.

    Bregman would be an odd fit after Houston’s offseason moves. Nightengale theorized that the 30-year-old would stick to third base, Paredes would move to second and Jose Altuve would shift to left field, a position he hasn’t played in the majors.

    This added a new wrinkle to Boston’s pursuit of Bregman and meant it had another team to compete with outside of the Tigers. The Gold Glove infielder wants a long-term deal, according to his agent Scott Boras. And he’s been patiently waiting for the right offer. The Red Sox remain the favorite, according to multiple MLB insiders.

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    The baseball world is abuzz with rumors surrounding Houston Astros star Alex Bregman and his future with the team. Despite recent reports of interest from the Boston Red Sox, it appears that Bregman is not ruling out any potential suitors.

    Bregman, who has been a key part of the Astros’ success in recent years, is set to become a free agent after the 2024 season. With the Red Sox reportedly interested in acquiring the All-Star third baseman, many fans are speculating about a potential trade.

    However, Bregman has made it clear that he is focused on the upcoming season with the Astros and is not letting the rumors distract him. In a recent interview, he stated, “I love Houston, I love playing for the Astros, and my focus is on helping this team win a championship.”

    While Bregman’s future with the Astros remains uncertain, it is clear that he is not ruling out any potential suitors. With his talent and leadership on the field, it is no surprise that teams like the Red Sox are interested in acquiring his services. Only time will tell where Bregman will end up, but one thing is for sure – he is keeping his options open.

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    #Alex #Bregman #Suitor #Red #Sox #Interest

  • Detroit Tigers, Alex Bregman negotiations at standstill as spring training nears






    With spring training just around the corner, the Detroit Tigers and star third baseman Alex Bregman are still at a standstill in contract negotiations.

    Bregman, who is entering the final year of his current deal, has been seeking a long-term extension with the Tigers. However, the two sides have yet to come to an agreement on the terms of a potential new contract.

    The Tigers are reportedly willing to make Bregman one of the highest-paid players in the league, but the two parties remain far apart on the length and value of the deal.

    With time running out before players report to spring training, both Bregman and the Tigers are feeling the pressure to reach a resolution. Bregman is a key piece of the Tigers’ lineup and losing him would be a significant blow to the team’s chances of competing in the upcoming season.

    As the negotiations continue, fans are left wondering whether a deal will be struck before spring training begins, or if Bregman will hit the open market next offseason. Only time will tell.

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    Detroit Tigers, Alex Bregman, negotiations, standstill, spring training, MLB, baseball, free agency, player contract, sports news

    #Detroit #Tigers #Alex #Bregman #negotiations #standstill #spring #training #nears

  • Report: Astros Still Not Ruling Out Alex Bregman Reunion


    The Astros’ chances of retaining Alex Bregman seemingly went up in smoke when he declined their reported six-year, $156MM offer earlier this winter. Houston pivoted quickly, first trying to engineer a trade for Nolan Arenado, which the current Cardinals third baseman nixed by way of his no-trade clause. The ’Stros pivoted again, signing first baseman Christian Walker for three years and $60MM. In doing so, they pushed Isaac Paredes — acquired from the Cubs as part of the Kyle Tucker return — across the diamond to third base. Or, so it seemed.

    USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Astros are still “keeping the door ajar” for Bregman. It’s a long-shot pairing in light of the new-look corner infield in Houston, but the team has at least considered a scenario where they’d move Paredes to second base and play Jose Altuve in left field, should Bregman ultimately return. It’s an out-of-the-box solution, but the Astros have been (unsuccessfully) hunting for outfielders in free agency and trade. Nightengale adds that the Astros “aren’t optimistic” about their chances, however, adding that Bregman presently has at least two serious offers in hand.

    Beyond the roster considerations, there’s the financial aspect to consider. Owner Jim Crane has publicly stated that he has the “wherewithal” to match last year’s $244MM payroll and $262MM worth of luxury obligations, though the team’s actions this winter have suggested otherwise, to an extent. Houston traded its best player, Tucker, to the Cubs in exchange for Paredes, righty Hayden Wesneski and top prospect/2024 first-rounder Cam Smith. They’ve also reportedly been shopping Ryan Pressly, who’s owed $14MM but has full no-trade protection.

    That said, Crane suggested when making his comments about 2025 spending that the extent to which the club did or not spend would depend on the specific players available to them. Pushing to a $260MM CBT number again for a free agent who’d be new to the organization and doing so for a longtime cornerstone player whose entire career has been spent with the ’Stros are quite. One trait Bregman has drawn consistent praise for both from the Astros and in reports citing anonymous coaches and executives around the league is his fiery leadership and clubhouse demeanor. The Astros are more familiar with that than any team, and logic dictates that they’d likely be most willing to pay a premium for it. Currently, RosterResource projects the Astros aout $3MM north of the $241MM luxury barrier. Signing Bregman would put them over with minimal chance of ducking back underneath.

    A move to the outfield for Altuve would register as a major surprise, but it’s not exactly hard to see why Houston might ponder it. Altuve’s defensive grades have cratered in the decade since he won his lone career Gold Glove. Defensive Runs Saved has pegged him at -13 in both of the past two seasons. Statcast’s Outs Above Average had him at -8 this past season. Altuve made only five errors on the season, but that seems largely due to his inability to get to balls he might’ve had a play on several years ago; Statcast graded Altuve’s range in just the third percentile this past season. His arm strength was similarly panned, landing in the seventh percentile.

    There are other alignments that could be considered. The Red Sox, among other teams, have been rumored to view Bregman as a second base option. (Skipper Alex Cora recently spoke on the record about his belief that Bregman could be a plus defender there.) Houston could also leave Bregman and Altuve at their customary spots and move Paredes to left field. However, he’s notably slower than Altuve and has below-average arm strength himself. Altuve still has nearly average speed, and Houston’s left field is smaller than most thanks to the short left field porch at the newly renamed Daikin Park. The Astros have reportedly been in the market for corner outfield upgrades but have not yet found a deal to their liking.

    Bregman has reportedly drawn interest from the Red Sox, Tigers, Blue Jays and to a lesser extent the Cubs, although Chicago president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer recently indicated he feels next year’s third baseman is “likely” already in the organization. At least to this point, Bregman hasn’t been open to the sort of short-term pacts to which many top free agents acquiesce late in the winter. As of this writing, it’s not clear whether Bregman has received any long-term offers other than the original six-year proposal from Houston. The Tigers have been cast as perhaps the other top landing spot, but talks between the two sides reportedly reached a “standstill” this week.



    The Houston Astros are keeping their options open when it comes to a potential reunion with former star third baseman Alex Bregman, according to a recent report.

    Despite parting ways with Bregman in a trade last season, the Astros are reportedly still considering bringing him back into the fold. Bregman, who was a key part of the Astros’ World Series-winning team in 2017, has continued to perform at a high level since joining his new team.

    While no official talks have taken place between the Astros and Bregman’s current team, the possibility of a reunion remains on the table. Astros fans will have to wait and see if a deal can be worked out to bring Bregman back to Houston.

    Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

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    #Report #Astros #Ruling #Alex #Bregman #Reunion

  • Talks Between Alex Bregman, Tigers Reportedly At “Standstill”


    Spring training is now just a few weeks away but many free agents are still unsigned, with Alex Bregman arguably being the most notable. The Tigers are one club that have been connected to him but Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press reports that talks are “at a standstill.”

    At the start of the offseason, MLBTR ranked Bregman the #3 free agent of the winter, behind Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Soto and Burnes are both now signed, leaving Bregman as the top guy still out there. We predicted a seven-year, $182MM deal that ended up being sort of a midpoint for Bregman’s negotiations earlier in the offseason. The Astros reportedly offered Bregman $156MM over six years, though the third baseman was trying to get to $200MM.

    Rather than meet in the middle, Houston walked away. They lined up a deal with the Cardinals for Nolan Arenado, though Arenado used his no-trade clause to quash that. Instead, they acquired Isaac Paredes from the Cubs and signed Christian Walker to take over at first base. Since then, Bregman has been connected to clubs like the Tigers, Blue Jays, Red Sox and others, but without much apparent momentum.

    The Cubs reportedly sniffed around the possibility of a short-term deal for Bregman but agent Scott Boras said last week that Bregman wasn’t considering that path. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer also recently downplayed the possibility of the Cubs getting involved. “I think likely,” Hoyer said at Cubs Convention a few days ago, when asked if the Cubs’ third baseman is already in the organization. “Certainly, we’ll look to supplement. Infield is an area we’re focused on (for the bench), but I think the likelihood is yes.”

    Matt Shaw is perhaps the best solution there but he has not yet made his major league debut. There’s no guarantee he will hit the ground running in 2025, so there’s an argument for adding someone established, but it seems the Cubs are trying to be more opportunistic than aggressive in Bregman’s market.

    It makes for something of a staring contest with the 2025 season approaching. It was around this time last year that Boras started pivoting to short-term deals for Cody Bellinger, Matt Chapman, Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Boras has apparently made that turn with client Pete Alonso, as Alonso’s camp reportedly pitched a three-year deal to the Mets recently.

    But with Bregman still holding out hope for a longer deal, it seems to be leading to the general sluggishness of the third base market. The Tigers have had a fairly quiet offseason, with one-year deals for Alex Cobb and Gleyber Torres being their primary moves so far. They have Jace Jung and Matt Vierling as potential in-house options at the hot corner, so they have a bit of leverage to wait out Bregman.

    With Vierling also capable of playing the outfield, Jung seems like the logical choice for third base right now. He struck out in 30.9% of his plate appearances last year but that was a small-sample debut of 94 plate appearances. He didn’t have those kind of strikeout rates in the minors and still managed to draw a lot of walks while making his major league debut. Like with Shaw, there’s no guarantee that he can take the job and run with it but the Tigers might feel they have enough cover to not go crazy on a Bregman deal.

    As long as Bregman stays out there, it seems to be preventing other dominoes from falling. The Cardinals came into the winter looking to do something of a reset but they haven’t been able to execute it yet, which seems to be at least partially because Arenado wanted clarity on Bregman’s situation before he’d commit to being traded. That has left St. Louis in a sort of holding pattern where they might just keep Arenado and other veterans into the start of the 2025 season.

    Daniel Kramer of MLB.com also reports that the Bregman situation is leaving the Mariners playing a waiting game. While the M’s are not in on Bregman, they are impacted by the situation nonetheless. Kramer writes that the M’s “believe they’re positioned to make a notable move before Spring Training” but are holding on to see if a Bregman deal sparks movement elsewhere, since upgrading at third is on their to-do list.

    Seattle has been fairly quiet this winter, with their signing of infielder Donovan Solano to a one-year, $3.5MM deal being their most notable move. Kramer reports that the M’s don’t plan to deploy him at second and he will be in the mix for playing time at first base more than anywhere else. That perhaps suggests Solano will be platooning with Luke Raley, since Solano is better against lefties and Raley the opposite.

    For third base, Kramer floats various possible scenarios that could come to pass as the offseason progresses. He mentions that the Red Sox could land Bregman, which could perhaps make someone like Triston Casas more available. Casas doesn’t play third but it could perhaps lead to Solano moving across the diamond for more time over there. Kramer also floats the possibility of the Tigers signing Bregman and making Jung available, or a similar situation with someone on the Blue Jays like Orelvis Martínez or Addison Barger. It’s also possible that infielders like Luis Arráez of the Padres or Willi Castro of the Twins become more available once Bregman is off the board.

    Until then, the Mariners are left laying in the cut, though they have explored other options. They had talks with the Cubs about Nico Hoerner and Bellinger, though the Hoerner deal seemed to become less likely when Paredes was sent to Houston in the Kyle Tucker deal. Perhaps the Hoerner trade talks could be revisited if Bregman ends up a Cub, which is perhaps another reason for the M’s to wait. The Bellinger connection was reported earlier in the offseason.

    Another path the M’s considered, according to Kramer, was getting Nathaniel Lowe from the Rangers. However, it seems Texas didn’t feel great about dealing Lowe within their division, which led to him being dealt to the Nationals instead.

    For now, it all feels like the part of the standoff where everyone has their hand by their holster, waiting for movement. It’s possible that bodies start dropping once someone flinches, but it’s a staredown for the time being.



    According to sources close to the situation, talks between the Detroit Tigers and star third baseman Alex Bregman have hit a “standstill.” The two parties have been engaged in negotiations for weeks, but it appears that they have reached an impasse.

    Bregman, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, is seeking a long-term contract extension with the Tigers. However, it seems that the team is hesitant to meet his demands, leading to the current stalemate.

    Both Bregman and the Tigers have expressed a desire to reach a deal, but it remains to be seen if they will be able to overcome their differences and come to an agreement. In the meantime, fans will have to wait and see how this situation unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.

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    #Talks #Alex #Bregman #Tigers #Reportedly #Standstill

  • MLB rumors: Alex Bregman at a ‘standstill’ with Tigers, Dodgers keep spending, Jurickson Profar draws interest


    Major League Baseball’s offseason continues to wind down, with just a few weeks remaining until pitchers and catchers report to camps in Florida and Arizona. This, then, is the ideal time for clubs to apply the finishing touches to their roster. Below, CBS Sports has compiled all of Tuesday’s most notable news, moves, and rumors in one place for your convenience. Let’s get to it.

    Tigers, Alex Bregman still in holding pattern

    The Detroit Tigers are widely reported to have significant interest in free-agent infielder Alex Bregman, but the two sides apparently aren’t moving toward an agreement at the present time. Here’s this report from the Detroit Free Press’ Evan Petzold

    “The Detroit Tigers remain interested, but negotiations are at a standstill with less than one month until the first full-squad workout in spring training, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Detroit needs a right-handed hitting third baseman and has the payroll flexibility to lock up a franchise-altering free agent.”

    Bregman, 30, is coming off a 2024 season in Houston in which he slashed .260/.315/.453 (118 OPS+) with 26 home runs and 30 doubles in 145 games. He also won his first Gold Glove. For his career, Bregman has an OPS+ of 132 and a WAR of 39.6 across parts of nine MLB seasons, all with the Astros. He’s a two-time All-Star selection, and twice he’s also finished in the top 10 of the American League MVP vote. 

    The Tigers are coming off a surprise playoff run in 2024 and are seeking to capitalize on that momentum in the season to come. Bregman would no doubt help the near- to mid-term cause in Detroit. The Red Sox and Blue Jays have previously been reported to also have interest in Bregman. 

    Dodgers nearing deal with Yates

    The Dodgers, fresh off signing lefty reliever Tanner Scott over the weekend, are working toward an agreement with right-hander Kirby Yates, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.

    CBS Sports ranked Yates as the 36th-best free agent on the market entering the winter. Here’s what we wrote at the time:

    We figure that Yates’ market will be limited by his durability and his command. He’s thrown 60 innings in consecutive seasons, but he had previously missed most of three seasons because of injury woes. Additionally, he’s walked nearly five batters per nine over the last two years. Mind you, Yates has succeeded despite the free passes by excelling at managing contact — both in terms of quality and frequency. He has a two-pitch approach: 93 mph fastballs up and to the glove side, and trapdoor splitters low. Each pitch generated a whiff rate over 30% and a batting average against under .115 in 2024. It’s possible that Yates’ body breaks down again, or that he loses just enough stuff to render him less effective. That risk, however, ought to limit his market to short-term deals that could make him one of the best relief bargains of the winter. 

    Yates, 37, posted a 1.17 ERA (340 ERA+) in 61 innings last season. If a deal is reached, he’ll join a bullpen that’ll include Blake Treinen, Scott, and Michael Kopech, among others.

    Blue Jays, Astros interested in Profar

    Count the Blue Jays, Astros, and Padres among the teams with interest in free-agent outfielder Jurickson Profar, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Feinsand adds that the Padres, though enamored with Profar, may not have the financial means to hash out a reunion.

    Profar, 31, is coming off a breakout season. CBS Sports ranked him as the No. 25 free agent entering the winter. Here’s what we wrote at the time

    How much do you believe? You can run the numbers. You can watch the tape. You can consult with projection systems. You can chat with an oracle. Ultimately, player evaluation is a test of faith. No matter how you reached your conclusion, the whole thing reduces down to this: how much conviction do you hold in it? Are you willing to be wrong? If not, you’re already lost. All of this is relevant to Profar, a fascinating study case. The former No. 1 prospect finally made good on that billing, notching his first star-caliber season at the plate at age 31. The underlying measures all pointed in the right direction: he hit the ball with greater authority; he walked more; he struck out less. If he were five years younger, he’d be in line for a handsome payday. He’s not, though, so his marketplace reception hinges on how teams answer this capsule’s first question.

    The Blue Jays have already added one outfielder this week, inking Anthony Santander to a long-term deal. The Astros, meanwhile, could use an outfielder to help offset the loss of Kyle Tucker, traded to the Cubs earlier this winter.





    MLB Rumors: Alex Bregman at a ‘Standstill’ with Tigers, Dodgers Keep Spending, Jurickson Profar Draws Interest

    There have been some intriguing developments in the MLB rumor mill recently, with star third baseman Alex Bregman reportedly at a “standstill” in contract negotiations with the Detroit Tigers. Bregman, who is currently a free agent, is one of the most sought-after players in the league and it seems as though the Tigers are having trouble reaching an agreement with him.

    On the other hand, the Los Angeles Dodgers are continuing to make big moves in free agency, with reports indicating that they are not done spending yet. The Dodgers have already signed several high-profile players this offseason, including Max Scherzer and Corey Seager, and it appears that they are willing to keep opening their wallets to build a championship-caliber team.

    Meanwhile, infielder Jurickson Profar is drawing significant interest from multiple teams around the league. Profar, who has played for the San Diego Padres in recent years, is a versatile player who can play multiple positions and provide solid offensive production. It will be interesting to see where he ends up signing this offseason.

    Overall, the MLB rumor mill is buzzing with activity as teams continue to make moves and negotiations heat up. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason progresses.

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    4. Dodgers
    5. Jurickson Profar
    6. Standstill
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    #MLB #rumors #Alex #Bregman #standstill #Tigers #Dodgers #spending #Jurickson #Profar #draws #interest

  • Surprise AL Contender Named ‘Best Fit’ For Alex Bregman Over Red Sox


    The Boston Red Sox have been tied to arguably the best remaining free agent on the open market but hasn’t gotten a deal done.

    Boston has been linked to Alex Bregman for a few months at this point and yet he remains on the open market although manager Alex Cora has said over and over how much he loves him. Bregman makes almost too much sense for Boston.

    He would fill a hole in the middle of the lineup and also significantly bolster the defense which has been not spoken about enough. The Red Sox’s defense has been rough over the last few years and Bregman could help fix it.

    While this is the case, MLB.com’s Thomas Harrigan had the Detroit Tigers as the “best fit” for Bregman over Boston.

    “Alex Bregman, 3B. Best fit: Tigers,” Harrigan said. It might seem like the Tigers’ window of contention is just opening after the club made a surprising run to the playoffs in 2024. But with reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal under team control for only two more seasons, Detroit cannot afford to be complacent. Although the Tigers did sign second baseman Gleyber Torres to a one-year deal, they need to do more to improve a lineup that tied for 19th in the Majors in runs scored last season.

    “Even looking beyond his previous connection with Detroit manager A.J. Hinch from their time together in Houston, Bregman is a logical fit for a Tigers team with an unsettled hot-corner situation and the payroll flexibility to make a big splash.”

    Detroit shocked the baseball world in 2024. The Tigers sold at the trade deadline and dealt Jack Flaherty away. While this is the case, the Tigers earned a spot in the playoffs and knocked the Houston Astros out of the postseason.

    More MLB: 1 Bold, 1 Realistic, 1 Boring Prediction For Red Sox To Finish Offseason



    In a shocking turn of events, a surprise AL contender has emerged as the “best fit” for star third baseman Alex Bregman over the Boston Red Sox.

    Many experts and fans alike believed that Bregman would be a perfect fit for the Red Sox, given their need for a third baseman and his impressive offensive skills. However, recent reports suggest that another team in the American League is now the frontrunner for Bregman’s services.

    While the identity of this mystery team has not been revealed, rumors are swirling that they have made a compelling offer to Bregman and are actively pursuing a deal. This unexpected development has left many baseball fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

    With the MLB offseason in full swing, it seems that anything is possible. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.

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    #Surprise #Contender #Named #Fit #Alex #Bregman #Red #Sox

  • Former Houston Astros Star Alex Bregman Still Seen as Top Fit for Boston Red Sox


    Former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman is still searching for his new home for the 2025 MLB season and beyond.

    The Gold Glove winner was offered a six-year, $156 million contract by the Astros earlier this offseason but the All-Star turned it down as he is reportedly looking for a deal that extends beyond the six year mark.

    For months Bregman has been rumored to join multiple teams out of free agency such as the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Detroit Tigers and the Boston Red Sox. MLB insider Mark Feinsand has said all of those teams still remain in the mix for Bregman’s services.

    The Cubs have Matt Shaw who is currently slated to start the season at third on the heels of Chicago claiming that third base will be addressed internally at their recent fan event, an answer that garnered boos from the crowd of fans.

    The Tigers make sense considering manager A.J. Hinch has familiarity with Bregman during their epic run before their cheating scandal saw Hinch relieved and banned from baseball for a year. Detroit is a young and up and coming team that could use another bat and veteran presence on the diamond.

    The Mets also feel like a solid landing spot for Bregman as talks between them and first baseman Pete Alonso have apparently stalled. Alonso was their first option but the team has made it known that they would pivot to Bregman if a deal with Alonso could not get done. New York is wanting to make a huge splash in free agency and Bregman might be the one to get it done.

    Finally, the Red Sox are still in the mix and they appear to be the best fit. Boston has Rafael Devers at third currently, so an addition of Bregman would likely mean that Bregman would end up at second base. A reality he hasn’t shown disinterest in if the right opportunity arises.

    The Red Sox are in a similar position as the Tigers and the could use another bat in the lineup as they try to track down the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.

    It seems like only a matter of time for Bregman to sign a new deal, but the seven-plus years on the contract length appears to be the hold up for many MLB teams interested in adding him.



    Former Houston Astros star Alex Bregman has been a hot topic of discussion among Boston Red Sox fans and analysts alike as a potential fit for the team. Despite his controversial past with the Astros, Bregman’s talent on the field is undeniable and could provide a major boost to the Red Sox lineup.

    Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger award winner, has proven himself to be a versatile player capable of playing both third base and shortstop. His offensive prowess, highlighted by his impressive power and ability to get on base, would be a valuable addition to the Red Sox lineup.

    While some may have concerns about Bregman’s past involvement in the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, many believe that he has the talent and potential to make a significant impact for the Red Sox. With the team in need of a solid infielder, Bregman’s skillset and experience could be just what the Red Sox need to compete at a high level.

    Despite the speculation and rumors surrounding Bregman’s potential move to Boston, nothing has been confirmed yet. However, many fans and analysts remain hopeful that the former Astros star could soon become a key part of the Red Sox roster. Only time will tell if this exciting possibility will come to fruition, but one thing is for sure – Alex Bregman is still seen as a top fit for the Boston Red Sox.

    Tags:

    1. Alex Bregman trade rumors
    2. Boston Red Sox potential trade target
    3. MLB trade speculation
    4. Houston Astros trade news
    5. Alex Bregman trade analysis
    6. Boston Red Sox offseason moves
    7. Alex Bregman trade rumors 2021
    8. MLB trade deadline updates
    9. Houston Astros trade rumors
    10. Alex Bregman Red Sox trade rumors

    #Houston #Astros #Star #Alex #Bregman #Top #Fit #Boston #Red #Sox

  • Mariners-Alex Bregman dreams still alive after another team admits defeat


    The Seattle Mariners infield situation remains relatively unanswered — especially at the hot corner — as spring training draws near.

    Josh Rojas played most games at third base last year, but he signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox. Free agent acquisition Donovan Solano is a candidate to take over some third base duties, and while he’s a respected major league infielder, he’s barely even an everyday player.

    Currently, the Mariners’ third base options are Solano, who is currently 37 years old and in the twilight of his career, and utilityman Dylan Moore. The Mariners also acquired Miles Mastrobuoni in a trade with the Cubs, but he was a -0.2 bWAR player last season.

    One free agent option still available is Alex Bregman, who rejected a $156 million contract from the Houston Astros this offseason. Bregman is rumored to want a long-term contract with his next team and is not considering a short-term deal. The Cubs were rumored to be suitors for the two-time All-Star. However, according to Bob Nightengale of the USA Today, the Cubs will rely on infield options within the organization.

    So, with the Cubs out of the running for Bregman, now is the chance for the Mariners to see how they can capitalize.

    Bregman is still in the prime of his career as he enters his 10th season in the major leagues. The veteran third baseman is coming off his third straight season of 4+ bWAR and won his first Gold Glove last season. As an AL West rival of the Mariners, Bregman is familiar with how to play at T-Mobile Park, so there shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment.

    Signing Bregman not only solidifies an infield spot in need but it changes the perception that the Mariners are just trying to get by instead of going for it all. Bregman would be an instant upgrade over Rojas and Solano and help fix an offense that dragged its feet throughout the 2024 season. With the Cubs reportedly out of the picture, Bregman’s market remains as narrow and stagnant as its ever been. If not now, when will the Mariners capitalize on signing a star free agent?

     



    In a stunning turn of events, the Seattle Mariners’ pursuit of Houston Astros’ star third baseman Alex Bregman is still alive and kicking after another potential suitor has admitted defeat.

    Rumors have been swirling for weeks that the Mariners have been aggressively pursuing Bregman in a blockbuster trade that would immediately bolster their lineup and solidify their chances of making a deep postseason run. Despite facing stiff competition from other teams, the Mariners have remained persistent in their pursuit of the All-Star infielder.

    And now, after another team has thrown in the towel in their pursuit of Bregman, the Mariners’ dreams of landing the coveted slugger seem closer than ever to becoming a reality. With the trade deadline fast approaching, the pressure is on for the Mariners to finalize a deal and bring Bregman to Seattle.

    Fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting any news of a potential trade that could bring Bregman to the Mariners. Will their dreams finally come true? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Mariners are not giving up without a fight. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling saga continues to unfold.

    Tags:

    1. Seattle Mariners
    2. Alex Bregman
    3. Dreams
    4. Team
    5. Defeat
    6. MLB
    7. Baseball
    8. Victory
    9. Hope
    10. Playoffs

    #MarinersAlex #Bregman #dreams #alive #team #admits #defeat

  • Alex Bregman decision is complicated for Red Sox, plus Roki Sasaki update


    The Windup Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s MLB newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Windup directly in your inbox.


    There’s a tangled web of decisions yet to be made in Boston, Ken has news on baseball’s most-sought free agent, we have some arbitration numbers and a little more on the ownership drama in San Diego. I’m Levi Weaver, here with Ken Rosenthal. Welcome to The Windup!


    Decisions, Decisions: Untangling Fenway

    The Red Sox need to make one decision. But really it’s two decisions. But really-really, it’s three (which means it’s four). I’ll explain.

    The first decision is: Do they want to sign Alex Bregman? Ken wrote a whole article about the domino that will set the rest of this in motion. If the two sides can come to an agreement, Bregman has stated that he would be willing to move to second base, which would solve one problem: The team’s leader at the position last year was Enmanuel Valdez, who started 56 games there (and has since been traded to the Pirates). Collectively, Boston second basemen hit .200 last year.

    If they don’t sign Bregman, they have to decide if they’re going to trade for Nolan Arenado, a move for which Trevor Story recently advocated. The only issue there: The Red Sox’s second-most valuable player by bWAR last year (3.7) was Rafael Devers, who is a third baseman.

    Trading for Arenado would likely mean a move to first base for Devers, which would prompt yet another decision: What to do with incumbent Triston Casas.

    There’s an argument to be made that if you’re going to trade a first baseman, the time to do that would have been before (or at least during) the first-base carousel a couple of weeks ago, in which a half-dozen or so teams shored up their plans at the position. But then again, Pete Alonso hasn’t signed yet, which means there must be more than one team still interested in his services. Maybe a post-Alonso market will find a suitor for Casas.

    That is, assuming Devers moves to first base. Which is to assume the Red Sox trade for Arenado. Which is to assume they don’t sign Bregman. That’s an awful lot of moving parts for mid-January.


    Ken’s Notebook: Sasaki had meetings in Toronto

    Some news from this morning:

    The Toronto Blue Jays, a silver medalist for one free agent after another the past two offseasons, are trying again.

    Club officials last week hosted prized Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki in Toronto, sources briefed on the meetings told The Athletic.

    Sasaki, 23, can sign with a major-league club starting Wednesday, when the international signing period opens. He is not expected to decide immediately, but must choose by Jan. 23, the deadline for him to sign under the posting process.

    The Los Angeles DodgersSan Diego PadresTexas RangersSeattle MarinersNew York Mets and Chicago Cubs are among the teams believed to be pursuing him.

    More details here.


    Math! Arbitration numbers filed

    The deadline has come and gone for teams to file their arbitration numbers. If you don’t know what that means, I did a twopart series on it in 2019. (It’s slightly outdated with the new CBA, but the basics remain the same).

    Because each side stands to lose if their case goes to a hearing, most players and teams prefer to negotiate a deal before then. But every year, there are a few deals that don’t get done the easy way. This year, there are 16 players who didn’t come to agreements before the deadline.

    I did a little spreadsheeting and came away with a few superlatives:

    Biggest difference between filed numbers: $2.5 million. The gap between OF Kyle Tucker ($17.5 million) and his new team, the Cubs ($15M). That’s not an insignificant gap, so if they don’t come to an agreement before the hearing, one side stands to lose a significant amount.

    Smallest difference between filed numbers: $165,000. LHP José Quijada filed at $1.14 million, while the Angels came in at $975,000.

    Biggest difference, percentage-wise: 33.3 percent. RHP Dennis Santana filed at $2.1 million, while the Pirates’ final number was $1.4 million. That’s not as big a gap in pure dollars as Tucker and the Cubs, but when you figure it this way, these are the two sides that are the furthest apart.

    Smallest difference, percentage-wise: 7.21 percent. Another left-handed hitter and his new team: Nathaniel Lowe, recently traded from the Rangers to the Nationals, filed at $11.1 million, while the Nats filed at $10.3 million.

    Also of note: The Rangers’ league-best streak of years without a hearing has now hit 25. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have the most hearings scheduled this year, with three. The Angels and Pirates have two each, and no other team has more than one. You can see the full list on Spotrac.

    More arbitration: The Blue Jays and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. don’t have an extension worked out yet, but they did settle on his salary for 2025: $28.5 million.


    San Diego Succession: More on Padres ownership drama

    In our last edition, we told you a little in the links section about the situation unfolding in San Diego over ownership and control of the Padres after former owner Peter Seidler died last year.

    Ken teamed up with Dennis Lin to give us a full rundown of what’s going on, and some of the ramifications. Here are the main takeaways:

    • The crux of the issue is with Peter’s widow, Sheel, who sued Peter’s brothers for control of the Padres, suggesting that they may choose to sell or relocate the team. One brother (Matt) responded in a letter, rebutting Sheel’s claims, and denied any relocation plans.
    • But while we’re in wait-and-see mode on that, there has been a major difference in San Diego during the first offseason since Peter’s passing. Namely: The Padres have not signed a single free agent, nor have they made even one trade. For an A.J. Preller-led front office, that’s a hard departure from the norm.
    • In fact, if the team is hoping to shed payroll, any trades may be subtractions, with names like Dylan Cease topping the list of potential departures. Further, the team’s future being in limbo may impact San Diego’s ability to offer extensions to young stars like Jackson Merrill and Michael King.
    • But maybe the biggest impact could be on the Padres’ attempts to sign the aforementioned Sasaki. The window to sign the young star opens on Wednesday, so the timing of a potentially destabilizing ownership battle couldn’t be worse.
    • One bonus item, on the topic of Sasaki: Dennis Lin and Andy McCullough have an in-depth look at the waves Sasaki’s decision is already making on the international free-agent market. It’s worth your time.

    Handshakes and High Fives

    Reliever Jeff Hoffman (No. 24 on our free-agency top 40 Big Board) has signed a three-year deal with the Blue Jays for $33 million.

    Jim Bowden grades every team’s offseason so far and makes predictions about each division in baseball.

    MLB has indefinitely banned the fans who interfered with Mookie Betts during the World Series — not just from Yankee Stadium, but from all games and events sponsored by MLB.

    Grant Brisbee digs into Justin Verlander’s rough 2024 and tries to figure out why he struggled. Was it as simple as the neck injury?

    Chris Kirschner digs into the numbers to explain how Cody Bellinger can maximize his effectiveness at Yankee Stadium.

    Tyler Kepner explains why he didn’t vote for Felix Hernández for the Hall of Fame … yet.

    The civil case brought by the family of deceased pitcher Tyler Skaggs and the Los Angeles Angels has been delayed yet again. Sam Blum has all the details.

    Former Mariners manager Scott Servais has a new gig: He’ll be the Padres’ new special assistant for baseball operations and player development.

    Most-clicked in our last newsletter: Melissa Lockard’s story on Getaway Day Agency, a business started and run by baseball players’ wives and significant others to address the logistics of having to make big moves on short notice.

    Love The Windup? Check out The Athletic’s other newsletters.

    (Top photo: Troy Taormina / Imagn Images)



    The Boston Red Sox are facing a complicated decision regarding their pursuit of star infielder Alex Bregman. With Bregman set to hit free agency after the 2022 season, the Red Sox must weigh the potential cost of acquiring him via trade against the impact he could have on their lineup.

    Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner, would undoubtedly provide a major boost to the Red Sox’s offense. However, his contract demands and the prospect capital required to acquire him make the decision a difficult one for Boston’s front office.

    In other news, Japanese pitching prospect Roki Sasaki has been making waves in the international baseball community. The 21-year-old right-hander has been dominating in the Japanese minor leagues and is drawing interest from MLB teams.

    Sasaki’s electric stuff and impressive command have scouts raving about his potential, and many believe he has the talent to become a top-tier pitcher in the majors. It will be interesting to see where Sasaki lands and how he performs once he makes the jump to the big leagues.

    Stay tuned for more updates on these developing stories as the MLB offseason continues.

    Tags:

    1. Alex Bregman decision
    2. Red Sox
    3. Roki Sasaki update
    4. MLB news
    5. Baseball updates
    6. Free agency rumors
    7. Boston Red Sox
    8. Alex Bregman trade
    9. Roki Sasaki prospects
    10. MLB trade rumors

    #Alex #Bregman #decision #complicated #Red #Sox #Roki #Sasaki #update

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