The Houston Astros have a big decision to make when it comes to one of their star players in free agency. Houston could lose a staple of their franchise to the New York Yankees if Juan Soto leaves for a different team.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted that if the Yankees can not keep Juan Soto around, they could sign Alex Bregman, among other stars, with the money they saved.
"If the New York Yankees don’t re-sign Juan Soto, one back-up plan floating around is signing free-agent first baseman Christian Walker, sign either Willy Adames or Alex Bregman to play third, shift Jazz Chisholm to second base, trade for Cubs center fielder Cody Bellinger, and then use the extra money to sign Burnes, Fried or Snell," wrote Nightengale.
Bregman has spent his entire big-league career with the Astros, and some Yankees fans may not be to keen on signing him because of the history between the two franchises. However, the reality is that Bregman was a key player in the Astros' success in recent years. They would be losing a lot of production.
Bregman is a two-time All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger. He is the clear-cut best third baseman on the market. Spotrac projects Bregman to sign a four-year, $119 million deal in free agency. He hit 26 home runs in 2024 and won his first career Gold Glove.
The Yankees have a need in the infield and Bregman would instantly solve a lot of their problems. Meanwhile, the Astros would have to scramble to replace the production that Bregman was bringing.
More MLB: Yankees could poach $152 million slugger from the Brewers if Juan Soto leaves
