The Toronto Blue Jays shouldn’t overlook free agent third baseman Alex Bregman when considering avenues to improve their roster this offseason. Bregman’s 2025 campaign with the Boston Red Sox was a tale of two seasons. He looked like an early AL MVP candidate after crushing seven home runs with 24 RBIs in April, but then suffered a quad injury on May 23rd. He returned from the injured list in late July without his power stroke; he hit just four home runs combined from August onwards. The 31-year-old finished the year with his highest OPS+ (128) since 2022, but the .727 OPS he posted after the All-Star break was a roughly .200 point drop-off from the first half. Lingering effects from his injury may have taken the thump out of his bat.
Bregman, second-half swoon aside, is nonetheless an appealing option for the Blue Jays in free agency, given how well his skillset fits the organization’s offensive philosophy.
The three-time All-Star struck out just 70 times with 51 walks across 495 plate appearances in 2025. He owns a career .365 on-base percentage and .272 batting average while consistently hitting around 25 home runs. He exemplifies the balanced mix of contact, power, and plate discipline that the Blue Jays covet in their hitters.
Bregman’s defensive fit on the current roster is also clear. He would slot in nicely as a plus defender at third base, keeping Addison Barger in right field full-time while Andrés Giménez and Ernie Clement play shortstop and second base, respectively. Age is the biggest red flag for Bregman as he will be 32 years old in 2026. His patient approach and keen understanding of the strike zone will help him defy Father Time, but his ability to do damage could erode if his already pedestrian bat speed drops over the next few years.
Bregman’s expected price tag is another consideration. He just opted out of a contract with the Red Sox that would have paid him $80 million over the next two years. It wouldn’t be surprising if he’s seeking at least $200 million guaranteed on a six or seven-year deal.
Bo Bichette likely is — and should be — the top position player target for the Blue Jays’ front office this offseason. However, should he decide to take his talents elsewhere, Bregman represents a seamless fit both offensively and defensively.
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