The Los Angeles Dodgers could benefit from additional flexibility in their middle infield.
News of extension discussions with Tommy Edman could help get Mookie Betts off shortstop for good, but their second base slot could also do with some bolstering.
Enter: Alex Bregman.
The longtime Houston Astro is a free agent for the first time in his career, and he made it clear he’s willing to move off his usual third base position with a new club.
If LA hopes to trade Gavin Lux or move him from an everyday role, a veteran like Bregman could be an ideal solution (as long as everyone’s ready to move on from 2017, seven years and two titles later).
The latest update on Bregman’s market could be great news for the Dodgers. MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported that the Astros hope to bring the infielder back to Houston on around a six-year, $156 million deal. Nightengale suggests that Bregman seeks closer to $200 million.
If Houston and Bregman’s team are that far apart in their discussions, the Dodgers could swoop in and make something happen.
After its most recent offseason with over a billion dollars in spending committed, LA proved that money is no object if it’ll bring the right players into Dodger Blue.
Will the Astros be able to sign Alex Bregman and Kyle Tucker long term?@StevePhillipsGM isn’t convinced. pic.twitter.com/noKOH8NVD1
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) November 25, 2024
The Dodgers could steal Alex Bregman from the Astros after recent reports emerge that he’s dissatisfied with their offer
Bregman’s bat would represent an upgrade from Gavin Lux and Max Muncy, and the latter of the two only posted 73 games in his age-34 season. The Astros veteran slashed .260/.315/.453 with a .768 OPS in 145 games in 2024.
Bregman also posted elite defensive numbers from the hot corner last season. He clocked six outs above average and a 91st-percentile range. Muncy posted league-average defense, Lux clocked negative two OAA and Mookie Betts’ nine errors at shortstop suggest he belongs in the outfield in the future.
The Dodgers aren’t often listed among the expected contenders for Bregman’s services, but they could emerge as an option if his asking price is too much for the Astros to meet.
LA did just spend exorbitantly last winter and managed a World Series win with the team it had, so Bregman’s skillset wouldn’t be a necessity, but he’d help shore up its infield defense while raising the offense a few ticks.
