The free agent market for third baseman Alex Bregman is beginning to take shape, with six teams emerging as potential suitors for the 2024 American League Gold Glove Award winner. Alongside the up-and-coming Detroit Tigers, the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly showing interest in Bregman. Many see him as the second-best position player on the free agent market this offseason, trailing only outfielder Juan Soto, both of whom are represented by agent Scott Boras. Bregman’s talent and extensive postseason experience make him an attractive option for championship-contending teams looking to add a key player to their roster. He aims to take advantage of the free agent frenzy, fueled by Soto’s impact, to secure a contract with an average annual value of at least $30 million.
Is Alex Bregman Worth $300 Million?
MLB’s offseason is filled with rumors, often blurring the line between reality and speculation, especially on social media. There have been reports that Bregman is interested in a free agent deal surpassing $300 million, similar to third baseman Manny Machado’s contract. Machado signed a 10-year, $300 million deal with the San Diego Padres in February 2019, following his age-25 season, and later extended it in 2023 with an 11-year, $350 million extension before his age-30 season.
Machado’s extension includes a $45 million signing bonus and an average annual value of $31.8 million for tax purposes, running through his age-40 season. He is one of only 35 players in MLB history to post a wins above replacement (WAR) of 50 or better before turning 30. Among active players, only Mike Trout (76.1 WAR) and Mookie Betts (56.5 WAR) are ahead of him. Bregman, however, has a WAR of 39.6 through his age-30 season, according to Baseball-Reference.
While Bregman is undeniably a talented player and a valuable asset to any contending team, a contract exceeding $300 million seems difficult to justify given current market conditions for third basemen not named Machado. Bregman recently completed a five-year, $100 million extension with the Astros, with an average annual value of $20 million. Some teams are so eager to acquire Bregman that they are even considering moving their current third basemen to different positions. The Phillies, for example, might trade Alec Bohm, a 2024 National League All-Star with two years of arbitration eligibility left. The Red Sox are also reportedly open to moving Rafael Devers to first base, despite his recent 10-year, $313.5 million contract extension signed in January 2023.