The New York Yankees, having missed out on acquiring Juan Soto, are under pressure to build a stronger roster around Aaron Judge to compete for a World Series title. While the addition of ace pitcher Max Fried earlier this week was a significant move, the team still has notable gaps to address, particularly in the lineup. They are in need of a versatile infielder, an outfielder, and a power-hitting first baseman.
One potential option that had been speculated was Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinals. However, Arenado’s no-trade clause excludes the Yankees, ruling out any chance of him coming to the Bronx.
The next best option for the infield, though a costly one, is Houston Astros free agent Alex Bregman. The third baseman is projected by Spotrac to secure a four-year, $119 million deal, but reports suggest his actual contract could exceed $200 million. Bregman has garnered strong interest from the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox, making it challenging for the Astros to outbid their rivals and retain him.
For the Yankees, signing Bregman would not only bring in an experienced and productive player but also allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift to second base while Bregman takes over third base. Despite Bregman’s history of tension with the Yankees and their fan base, his ability to contribute to a winning team could help smooth over past animosities.
As the Yankees work to address their roster needs, landing a star like Bregman could be pivotal in strengthening their lineup and boosting their chances of returning to championship contention. With fierce competition for his signature, the coming weeks will determine whether the Yankees can succeed in their pursuit of the Astros’ star infielder.
