After finishing last in the AL East for the first time in 11 years, the Toronto Blue Jays (74-88) are expected to make significant moves in free agency this offseason to address their offensive struggles.
ESPN’s Buster Olney believes Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman could be a key target for the Blue Jays.
Speaking on TSN1050’s *First Up* on Tuesday, Olney discussed the possibility of Toronto pursuing Bregman and which other teams might be in the mix for the veteran slugger.
“He’s a proven winner, a solid third baseman, and a reliable hitter who would add depth to their lineup,” Olney said.
Bregman, 30, is coming off the final year of a five-year, $100 million contract with the Astros. A two-time All-Star, Bregman has been in MVP discussions in four of his nine MLB seasons and played a key role in Houston’s 2017 and 2022 World Series titles.
In 2024, he posted a .260 batting average with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 79 runs scored.
“We know the Blue Jays have been looking to secure third base long-term for a few years now,” Olney continued. “They made an early $125 million offer to [former third baseman] Matt Chapman during the 2023 season, and Bregman fits a lot of their needs.”
Toronto’s offense struggled this past season, scoring just 4.14 runs per game, ranking 23rd in MLB. They scored one or fewer runs in 32 games, which accounted for 31 of their 88 losses.
According to FanGraphs, the Blue Jays’ third basemen ranked 20th in home runs (16), 22nd in runs scored (66), and tied for 18th in wins above replacement (2.1) in 2024.
Bregman is expected to be one of the top free agents this winter, and Toronto will likely face stiff competition for his signature.
“Not only does Houston want to keep him, but the Astros may have financial limits,” Olney noted. “Another AL team on the rise that could be in the mix is the Detroit Tigers.”
Managed by A.J. Hinch, who coached Bregman in Houston, the Tigers have payroll flexibility and could use a veteran presence to anchor their young roster. “Given Detroit’s late-season success, the talent they’re building, and Hinch’s influence, it wouldn’t surprise me if they make a serious play for Bregman,” Olney added.
The Tigers surged into the playoffs after winning 32 of their final 48 games, finishing the season 86-76. Like the Blue Jays, they’ve struggled to get production from third base, hitting only 11 home runs from the position, one of the worst in the majors.
Meanwhile, Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who made 11 starts at third base in 2024, could potentially be an option for the position if other plans fall through.
“I signed as a third baseman, so it’s my favorite position,” Guerrero said in June. “Whether it’s first or third, I’ll be ready to play wherever the team needs me.”
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