As the New York Yankees aim for a playoff comeback in 2024 following a series of major acquisitions, notably the trade for standout hitter Juan Soto, speculation already swirls about the upcoming free agent class.
In a piece for the New York Post, Joel Sherman anticipates the market for Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, who is forecasted to command a hefty nine-year, $286 million contract when he hits free agency after the season. Sherman hints at a potential showdown between the Yankees and their city rivals, the Mets, vying for Bregman’s services in 2025.
“I anticipate more frequent financial clashes between the Mets and Yankees,” Sherman suggests. “One intriguing potential showdown revolves around Alex Bregman.”
The New York Yankees Would Get an Upgrade at Third With Alex Bregman
Sherman outlined the Yankees’ potential interest in Bregman by highlighting how he could address one of the team’s significant roster needs at third base. With D.J. LeMahieu, the projected starter for 2024 at third base, aging at 35, and Oswald Peraza, the next-best option, still unproven at the big-league level, the Yankees have concerns in that position.
“They lack confidence in Oswald Peraza as a starting player, and there’s no viable contender from the minors,” Sherman reported. “Moreover, LeMahieu might have a strong season and, considering Gleyber Torres’ impending free agency, the Yankees might need to seek a third baseman.”
While LeMahieu is slated to lead off for the Yankees in 2024, his career-low .243 batting average from the previous season suggests he needs a rebound to maintain that role. Despite Peraza being just 23 years old, his lackluster .191/.267/.272 slash line from last season indicates why the Yankees may not view him as a long-term solution at third base.
Bregman, boasting an eight-year MLB career, has impressive stats with a .274/.373/.487 slash line, along with 25 homers and 98 RBI in the last season. He also received MVP votes in 2022 and 2023, alongside his All-Star seasons in 2018 and 2019. Bregman’s standout performance in 2019, marked by 41 homers and 112 RBI, earned him a Silver Slugger award.
While the Astros could offer Bregman an extension, similar to the five-year, $151 million deal they struck with Jose Altuve, the expected cost might be prohibitive.
“Bregman is still in his prime, and he and agent Scott Boras will anticipate being compensated accordingly,” as reported by Mike Axisa for CBS Sports. “Realistically, they are likely pursuing a contract akin to what Astros owner Jim Crane has avoided.”
Projecting New York Yankees Free Agent Bidding Wars for 2025
In addition to noting the potential interest between the Yankees and Bregman, Sherman suggested that the team might find itself engaged in bidding wars with the Mets for other high-profile free agents after the 2024 season.
“There’s already speculation that both New York teams will engage in a financial showdown next offseason for Juan Soto,” he remarked. “Unless there’s lingering animosity stemming from a contentious arbitration case in February 2023 that resulted in public criticism by Corbin Burnes against the Milwaukee Brewers — a situation when Mets president David Stearns was only an advisor and not actively managing baseball operations — it’s likely that the talented right-hander will attract interest from both New York franchises.”
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