MLB Insider Jeff Passan: Toronto Blue Jays 'very much in the mix' for Alex Bregman
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ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan has reported that the Toronto Blue Jays are in the mix for free agent infielder Alex Bregman.
The Blue Jays aren't done spending. While some believed Toronto's offseason might have ended with their pitching additions, ESPN insider Jeff Passan thinks otherwise.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Arizona Diamondbacks were the most popular team to discuss in the Bregman sweepstakes. However, insider Jeff Passan disagrees.
In an interview on the Michael Kay Show, ESPN's Jeff Passan indicated that the Blue Jays are very much in the mix for Alex Bregman.
«I don't know how much the Arizona thing is going to work,» Passan said to Michael Kay. «I think that the Blue Jays are very much in the mix there. It's a little bit tougher for them because they've had Ernie Clement and Addison Barger at third base. Both have done well there.
Blue Jays looking for a strong clubhouse presence in Bregman
The appeal goes beyond statistics. Passan noted Bregman's reputation as a strong clubhouse presence, something Toronto values after their playoff run.
Fitting Bregman onto the Blue Jays roster presents challenges. Ernie Clement and Addison Barger both performed well at third base last season.
«Clement could slide over to second, and Barger could play right field. Suddenly, that takes Anthony Santander out of the mix. I think the Blue Jays understand chemistry matters and leadership matters said Passan. They benefited greatly from the team they had last year. Alex Bregman is regarded as a very good clubhouse guy. And someone who could be a leader for that team going forward. I could see Bregman going there.»
Toronto hasn't been linked to Bregman all that much this offseason, so it would be a surprise if he signed there.
However, Passan believes the Blue Jays are interested in Bregman and could very well look to sign him to add another leader to the group.
Bregman opted out of his Red Sox contract after hitting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games during 2025.
The three-time All-Star won a Gold Glove in 2024 and owns two World Series rings from his time in Houston.
Bregman could serve as a fallback option if Toronto misses on Tucker. His projected contract of five years and $160-170 million is significant but more manageable than Tucker's expected deal.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 20 | 116 ANSWERS MLB Insider Jeff Passan: Toronto Blue Jays 'very much in the mix' for Alex Bregman Which big bat do you think the Blue Jays will land this offseason? | ||
| Kyle Tucker | 38 | 32.8 % |
| Bo Bichette | 70 | 60.3 % |
| Alex Bregman | 8 | 6.9 % |
| List of polls | ||