As the New York Yankees navigate a pivotal offseason, a familiar name has emerged as a potential target: Alex Bregman, the standout free-agent infielder from the Houston Astros. Known for his impressive hitting and elite defensive skills, Bregman seems like an ideal fit for a Yankees lineup hungry for veteran impact. But his connection to the Astros’ 2017 sign-stealing scandal casts a long shadow over any potential deal.
Lingering Yankees scar: Cashman’s candid reflection
The memory of the Yankees’ crushing seven-game loss to the Astros in the 2017 American League Championship Series (ALCS) still stings. General Manager Brian Cashman made his feelings clear during an MLB Network appearance, recalling how the scandal derailed what could have been a championship season.
“I hate the 15-year thing because it completely forgets and discounts that some other organization cheated us when we were all the way in the end,” Cashman asserted. “If you knew what was going on, then I don’t think they would be advancing during that time.”
Though MLB issued significant penalties — including the firing and suspension of Astros GM Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch — the 2017 World Series title remained intact. This unresolved history makes Bregman’s potential arrival in the Bronx all the more complicated.
Can Yankees embrace Bregman?
Charles Wenzelberg/NYP
The ethical question remains: Should a central figure from the 2017 Astros be welcomed into the Yankees’ clubhouse? While Bregman wasn’t identified as a ringleader in the scandal, he undeniably benefited from the scheme. Fans may struggle to reconcile his past actions with the possibility of seeing him in Yankees pinstripes.
Cashman addressed this delicate issue during a recent media session, carefully weighing his words.
“We have vacancies there in the infield,” Cashman said. “Right now our internal candidates are who they are and we’ll see how the rest of our conversations continue on free agents and the trade market.”
“My job is to find a way to make us as quality as we can year in and year out,” he said. “We’re going to vet every opportunity out there… He’s been a thorn in our side for years along with a lot of other peoples’ sides.”
Bregman’s value for Yankees
Despite the past, there’s no denying Bregman’s talent. A two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, he has consistently produced at the plate and in the field. His career stats are formidable: a .272 batting average, four seasons with 25-plus home runs, and multiple 90-plus RBI campaigns. Notably, he led the AL with 119 walks in 2019 and has never struck out 100 times in a season — a rare combination of power and plate discipline.
Bregman’s defensive prowess also makes him a desirable asset. He could seamlessly take over third base, allowing the Yankees to shift Jazz Chisholm back to second and fortify their infield defense.
The Yankees have a pressing need for a reliable power hitter and defensive anchor. Internal options like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Oswald Peraza lack the consistency and star power Bregman would bring. Signing Bregman could be a game-changing move, positioning the Yankees for a serious championship run in 2025.
However, paying an estimated $200 million to a player forever linked to one of MLB’s biggest scandals is a bold gamble. Would Yankees fans embrace Bregman, or would his presence reignite bitter memories of 2017?
As Cashman and the Yankees’ front office evaluate their next move, one thing is certain: Alex Bregman’s free agency decision will be one of the most scrutinized stories of the offseason — with the potential to reshape both his career and the Yankees’ future.
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