Alex Bregman to Toronto: Blue Jays Set to Land Star Third Baseman
We’re nearly into the new year, and the Toronto Blue Jays have barely done anything.
Aside from trading Spencer Horwitz to the Cleveland Guardians for Andrés Giménez and Nick Sandlin, the Blue Jays have signed a few relievers as well as a few minor league signings. One big issue is the lack of offence, which was made even worse by trading away Horwitz for a glove-first player.
Third base has been a long-term issue since Josh Donaldson was traded in 2018. It didn’t matter in rebuilding years, especially with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. coming up, but he didn’t pan out at the position and they’ve been needing a long-term solution at the position since. Matt Chapman gave them temporary relief, but it was one of their biggest holes in the 2024 season.
The Jays have a few prospects who could play third base, namely Addison Barger and Orelvis Martínez. However, if the Jays wish to get a more experienced player for the hot corner, Alex Bregman could be the player they need.
Taking a look at Alex Bregman…
Last season with the Houston Astros, Bregman slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs in 634 plate appearances, with a career-low 6.9 BB% and a 13.6 K%. He finished the season with a 118 wRC+ and a 4.1 fWAR.
This was the third consecutive season he hit 23-26 home runs, but overall his play took a step back. For example, his 2023 season saw him slash .262/.363/.441 with 25 home runs in 724 plate appearances with a higher BB% (12.7%) than K% (12%) for a 126 wRC+ and a 4.5 fWAR. Bregman’s 2022 season was one of his best season, as he slashed .259/.366/.454 with 23 home runs in 656 plate appearances, with a 13.3 BB% and an 11.7 K% for a 137 wRC+ and a 5.4 fWAR.
It’s hard to say that Bregman is on the decline because he’s still a productive player, but he’s far from his best. In 2019, he slashed .296/.423/.592/ with a career-best 41 home runs in 690 plate appearances with 17.2 BB% and a 12 K%. This gave him a career-high 167 wRC+ and an 8.3 fWAR.
