Alex Bregman is just sitting out there, and some think that the Yanks should be after him. Why? Because the pinstripes have a gap right now, that’s either in third or second base. If New York wants to put one of their own guys like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza and test them out, that’s their choice totally. However, Bregman has a proven track record of winning at third base. Bregman has a ton of postseason experience and is a great defender. So why aren’t the Yankees going after the third baseman?

At the start of the offseason, Bregman was a sought-after player and would demand a high price, but now, that has changed. American columnist Jeff Passan made an argument for the Yankees in a recent video uploaded by Talkin’ Baseball, claiming, “It’s one thing to say no to Alex Bregman in November/December, it’s a completely different thing when we are a few weeks away from spring training. The guy is looking for a job, and the opportunity to go in there and poach him at a lower price is eminently available.” 

The argument was well presented by Passan: if the Yanks have a gap, then why not fill that gap with the best player available? But things are just not as easy as they seem in baseball—Alex Bregman was an Astros player before he became a free agent. Not only that, he was also a key component of the franchise, and now, Houston seems to have moved on without Bregman, which gives other teams to attack and grab the third baseman. 

Fans unsure about the Yankees’ possible pursuit of Alex Bregman

The Yankees’ potential pursuit of Alex Bregman has sparked a mix of frustration and skepticism among fans and analysts alike. Given Bregman’s ties to the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, his recent decline in performance, and the Yankees’ apparent shift toward financial prudence, many question whether adding him to the roster would be the right move.

The Yankees, especially after the 2019 sign-stealing scandal, were vocal about the Astros’ cheating, calling into question the legitimacy of their World Series win. Bregman, as one of the key players on the 2017 Astros team, would symbolize that controversial era. So, signing him could alienate Yankees fans who felt strongly about the Astros’ actions, as highlighted by one user in the comments.

Another commenter questioned Alex Bregman’s abilities, bringing up two critical concerns regarding his current performance. First, Bregman has been on a steady decline over the past few seasons, and secondly, the comment referenced Bregman’s spray chart at Yankee Stadium, which is important because the stadium’s unique dimensions tend to favor right-handed pull hitters. 

One fan blamed the Yankees for not being aggressive enough in their pursuit. This speaks to a growing perception that the Yankees’ front office is prioritizing financial flexibility over constructing a true championship contender. The team, historically known for its big spending and blockbuster signings, has shifted its approach in recent years, increasingly mindful of staying under the luxury tax threshold. 

Shedding light on why Bregman is still on the market, another enthusiast suggested that his asking price may be too high. Bregman, who is represented by super-agent Scott Boras, is likely seeking a significant deal, and Boras is notorious for pushing for the highest possible value for his clients. If the market for Bregman has been lukewarm, it could be because potential suitors, including the Yankees, are unwilling to meet his price.

Another fan made a comparison to Josh Donaldson and his decline, as it highlights the fear that Bregman could turn into another high-priced veteran signing that doesn’t live up to expectations. Donaldson, acquired by the Yankees in 2022, was expected to bring leadership and power to the lineup, but his production fell short. 

For Alex Bregman, the major concerns surrounding his inclusion in the Yankees are his declining performance and his connection to the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Moreover, given the Yankees’ current financial priorities, many fans fear that signing Bregman could be an example of the team making a move that prioritizes short-term financial concerns over long-term success, or worse, that it could lead to another disappointing veteran acquisition akin to the Josh Donaldson deal.