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Alex Bregman’s power and defence at third base could be useful for the Blue Jays
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Photo credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Ryley Delaney
Dec 27, 2024, 07:00 ESTUpdated: Dec 26, 2024, 17:56 EST
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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.
For Bregman’s career at Rogers Centre, he’s slashing .247/.330/.447 with three home runs in 97 plate appearances. It’s a small sample size as the Astros play three or four games in Toronto a season, but he’s found some success.
Bregman is a strong defender as well, as he finished the 2024 season with 6 Defensive Runs Saved and Outs Above Average in 1234.2 innings at the hot corner. Somehow, he won the Gold Glove over Ernie Clement in 2024, the first of his career. For his career, he has 27 DRS and 22 OAA in 8578 innings.
Early in the off-season, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden released a prediction article and projected Bregman to earn a seven-year, $185.5 million deal. His Spotrac market value sits at $30 million a season, which equates to $119.9 million over a four-year deal.

Bregman is a fit for the Jays, but buyer beware

Bregman is still a good player even if he isn’t putting up MVP-calibre seasons like he did in 2018 and 2019. He’s still good for about 25 home runs a season while being able to draw a walk and play solid defence. Moreover, Bregman would solve a long-term problem the Jays have had for a while, as he’d fill in nicely at third base for the foreseeable future.
However, he has been on the decline (relatively) over the past few seasons. Bregman is also expensive and the Jays could very well have another George Springer-esque situation where he has a good few years before a sharp decline.
All in all, Bregman shouldn’t be the team’s first option in free agency as getting an outfielder is a bigger need. However, he’s a solid bat to add to the lineup with some pop and strong defence.
As always, you can follow me on Bluesky @ryleydelaney.bsky.social.

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