JUST IN: NY Yankees officially confirm whooping $210 million deal with top baseman

The New York Yankees are gearing up for the postseason this October, but general manager Brian Cashman and his team are also likely planning to revamp the roster for 2025 over the winter. Could Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman be a potential fit for the Yankees?

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer listed ten possible destinations for Bregman, who will be a free agent soon, with the Yankees ranked as the second-best option. Only the Seattle Mariners were ranked higher.

Rymer noted, “While the Astros have generally shown no interest in trading Bregman, his name has occasionally surfaced in trade rumors, and speculation involving the Yankees has consistently followed. This is due to the Yankees’ ongoing issues at third base. Although Jazz Chisholm Jr. has addressed this for now, it’s likely only a temporary solution.”

Bregman is wrapping up a five-year, $100 million contract with the Astros in 2024 and will hit the open market after that. With Matt Chapman remaining with the San Francisco Giants, Bregman is expected to be the top third baseman available in free agency.

So, what kind of contract might the 31-year-old command this winter? Rymer projected on August 1 that Bregman could secure a seven-year, $210 million deal.

How Alex Bregman Could Fit in With the Yankees

Given the Yankees’ current infield setup and potential roster changes after the season, Bregman could be a strong fit.

As noted, Jazz Chisholm Jr. has been playing third base since his acquisition at the trade deadline, despite his early career years with the Miami Marlins being spent at second base. Gleyber Torres currently occupies that second base spot but may not be with the team for long.

Torres is also set to hit free agency this winter. Although he has expressed a desire to remain with the Yankees, his future with the team remains uncertain. He earned $14.2 million in 2024 but has struggled with a .250/.328/.362 line, hitting 12 home runs and 55 RBIs.

If the Yankees decide to let Torres go, Chisholm could shift back to second base. DJ LeMahieu could then take over at first base, especially if the Yankees opt not to exercise Anthony Rizzo’s 2025 option.

These adjustments would leave the third base position open, creating an opportunity for Bregman to step in—provided the Yankees can agree on a suitable contract.

Will a Bregman Pursuit Depend on What Happens With Juan Soto?

The Yankees’ offseason plans will heavily revolve around their efforts to re-sign outfielder Juan Soto. Given his outstanding performance for New York in 2024, the 25-year-old is expected to be Brian Cashman’s top priority.

Soto’s decision will significantly impact the Yankees’ overall spending strategy for the rest of their roster. ESPN’s Jeff Passan has reported that Soto’s next contract could start around $500 million, with the potential for the number to increase depending on which teams pursue him aggressively.

If Soto remains with the Yankees, it will likely limit their ability to make other major acquisitions, especially since team owner Hal Steinbrenner has stated that maintaining a payroll above $300 million, as in 2024, is not sustainable.

However, Steinbrenner made these comments in May, so the situation may have evolved since then. If Soto doesn’t return, the Yankees could explore a wide range of possibilities for their roster.