The New York Yankees are known as one of the biggest spenders in the MLB during free agency, consistently pursuing the most talented players available.
The Boston Red Sox are one of the teams that have experienced New York’s spending habits firsthand, losing out to the Yankees repeatedly in free agency over the years. Surprisingly, the Red Sox may not have to deal with the Yankees acquiring one of their top players this offseason.
MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch believes that the Yankees are not expected to target $120 million All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency, despite third base not being one of the team’s strengths.
“The Yankees are still built to win now – and they’d better be, because Judge’s title window won’t stay open forever,” Hoch wrote Thursday. “It seems a safe bet that (the Yankees will) go into the season with Ryan McMahon at third base.
“McMahon’s defense was a vast improvement over what they had at the hot corner previously, and even though his bat didn’t play up to expectations (.641 OPS in 54 games), he delivered a few clutch moments. McMahon is earning $32 million through 2027, which likely precludes a serious run at a free agent like Alex Bregman.”
The Yankees traded with the Colorado Rockies before the trade deadline to acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon after dealing with issues at third base all season. The 30-year-old former All-Star slashed .208/.308/.333 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 54 games played for New York. McMahon improved in the playoffs and was one of the Yankees’ most consistent performers, securing his role for next season.
Bregman is a proven winner who has won two World Series and has never missed the playoffs in his career. Though New York does not appear interested in signing the three-time All-Star, that doesn’t mean the Red Sox are in the clear. It would be music to the ears of Yankees fans if another team swoops in and poaches Bregman in free agency.
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