After the bombshell, the Astros’ $200 million seems destined to land with an AL contender.
Alex Bregman, the third baseman for the Houston Astros, was favored to re-sign with the team for a significant portion of free agency. However, after the two parties were nearly $50 million apart on a contract, Houston changed course and signed Christian Walker to play first base and Isaac Paredes to play third base. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Detroit Tigers are thought to be the most likely suitors for Bregman after the Astros reportedly withdrew from the race; both American League East teams make a lot of sense in some situations.
After spending a lot of money this winter, it would make sense for the Yankees to invest an additional $200 million on a player. Just the fit makes sense, but the cost might be an issue. Only by trading away first baseman Triston Casas would the Red Sox make sense. Boston would be able to sign Bregman, slot him in at third base, and drop Rafael Devers to first base with this move. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, however, does not consider any AL East team to be a viable bidder. According to Feinsand, Boston is not a serious suitor unless it deals Casas, and he doesn’t think the Yankees will pay to acquire Bregman. See
Although Feinsand doesn’t state explicitly that the Tigers are the front-runner to sign Bregman, his suspicion that the Red Sox and Yankees won’t try to sign him suggests Detroit is probably the front-runner. Additionally, Feinsand doesn’t criticize any AL East team. There is still time for both teams to try harder to get the Houston Astros third baseman to visit their city. However, given what Feinsand stated, I would side with the Tigers if I had to pick a favorite. Sending Bregman $200 million would be the front office’s ideal way to make amends with the supporters after abandoning the team the previous season. Detroit needs an infielder. See
