Toronto Blue Jays in contact with free agent infielder Alex Bregman
Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Add the Toronto Blue Jays to the list of potential suitors for free agent Alex Bregman.
Yesterday it was reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan that the Blue Jays are very much in the mix for Bregman's services.
Today, the Athletic's Ken Rosenthal indicated that the Blue Jays have been in contact with Bregman's agent Scott Boras.
The Toronto Blue Jays are showing serious interest in Alex Bregman, per Ken Rosenthal
Toronto has already been a major player in free agency this offseason, though the additions have come on the pitching side.
The club snagged one of the top starters on the market in right-hander Dylan Cease. They locked down reliever Tyler Rogers on a three-year deal.
In a year with several intriguing arms arriving from overseas, the Blue Jays landed one of the highest-upside options in Cody Ponce.
Boston is reportedly pushing for a Bregman reunion. The third baseman opted out of a three-year, $120MM deal with the club after one season.
The 31-year-old has a career 133 wRC+. After three straight seasons with at least 23 home runs, Bregman hit 18 in 114 games in his lone season in Boston.
A quad strain cost him a month and a half, but he was on track to maintain his standard power numbers. Bregman was worth +3 Outs Above Average this past year. He's now at +18 over the last five seasons.
He had a strong campaign with the Red Sox, providing middle-of-the-order thump to go with steady glove work.
Alex Bregman reached 55 postseason RBIs, passing Albert Pujols to move into 8th place all-time.
Blue Jays would have no issue reshuffling the infield to make room for Bregman
Barger emerged as a crucial cog in the middle of the lineup, launching 21 home runs in his first extended stint at the highest level.
Clement bounced around the infield, seeing time at all four spots. He played in a career-high 157 games, providing league-average numbers at the plate.
Toronto's current plan at third base seems to be a combination of Addison Barger, Ernie Clement, and Davis Schneider.
Clement will be penciled in at second base with Bichette hitting the market. Barger is the top option for third base duties, at least against righties.
Schneider could pick up second base reps against lefties, with Clement sliding to third.
Infielders Jo Jo Parker and Arjun Nimmala are among Toronto's top prospects, though they're unlikely to contribute at the big-league level for a few more years.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 21 | 129 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays in contact with free agent infielder Alex Bregman Do you think Alex Bregman is a good fit with the Toronto Blue Jays | ||
| Yes | 65 | 50.4 % |
| No | 54 | 41.9 % |
| Too early to tell | 10 | 7.8 % |
| List of polls | ||