The New York Yankees are eager to retain star outfielder Juan Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres last December. However, the slugger seeks a larger contract and financial considerations may entice him away from the Bronx.
According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, if Soto departs, the Yankees may pursue third baseman Alex Bregman as a potential replacement. Rosenthal also mentioned the possibility of shifting Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second base as part of the team’s strategy to remain competitive.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. has adapted seamlessly to third base at the major league level, despite the position being new to him, Rosenthal argues. With two years remaining under team control, the Yankees retain the flexibility to move Chisholm back to his natural second base role should they pursue and sign free agent Alex Bregman.
Since his MLB debut in 2016, Bregman has earned a reputation as one of the game’s elite third basemen. Set to enter his age-31 season in 2025, he offers a wealth of postseason experience, having appeared in 97 playoff games—ranking him ninth on the all-time list.
Bregman played a key role in the Houston Astros’ World Series championships in 2017 and 2022, further elevating his value with his proven ability to contribute in high-stakes situations.
However, the Yankees are not alone in their potential interest in Bregman. The Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks are also viewed as possible suitors for the All-Star third baseman.
Juan Soto is the Yankees’ first priority
The Yankees are positioned for a strong World Series push this October, eyeing an end to their 15-year title drought. Central to their championship hopes is star outfielder Juan Soto, acquired in a blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres last December.
Soto has delivered a standout season in New York, potentially his best yet. Over 145 games for the Yankees, he’s posted a stellar .285 batting average, a .415 on-base percentage, and a .570 slugging percentage, along with 39 home runs and 101 RBIs, all contributing to an impressive .985 OPS.
At just 25, Soto is set to become a free agent after the season, likely commanding a historic long-term contract, with estimates surpassing $500 million. While the Yankees are expected to be frontrunners in retaining him, they are also preparing backup plans in case he chooses to explore other opportunities.
For now, the Yankees remain focused on their current season, aiming to make a deep postseason run. Re-signing Juan Soto is expected to be their primary objective in the offseason, and the team will likely make a strong effort to keep him. However, if Soto moves on, Bregman could serve as a solid alternative, offering both skill and experience to bolster the Yankees’ lineup.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
The one thing that has to be considered with Bregman, is he willing to sit before the press and admit what he and the Astros did in 2017 was wrong and cheating? If he’s not willing no matter how good he is, at least that first season here would be a miserable one for him.