According to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sports NetworkThe Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly interested in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. We’ve heard the Jays connect with Bregman throughout the offseason, but Nicholson-Smith is closer to the team than any of the national reporters.

Of course, whether or not the Jays sign Bregman depends on what happens with outfielder Juan Soto, who the team is also courting. Soto is the most sought-after player in free agency, and it seems unlikely the team will be able to get both.

They are interested in Soto and are interested in players such as Max Fried, Luis Severino, Anthony Santander and Bregman, but President and CEO Mark Shapiro said in early October that he expected the payroll is largely similar to that of 2024. is already being talked about and there is little certainty on the roster beyond next year.

To this point: If the Jays don’t get Soto, will ownership greenlight spending on a player of Bregman’s caliber, or will Soto or bankruptcy?

The Blue Jays have openings at second and third base this offseason. If they signed Bregman, they could keep Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base and create a left side of the infield with Bregman and Bo Bichette.

Additionally, Bregman would help the Jays’ offense, which was one of the most disappointing units in all of baseball in 2024. George Springer never really got going and Bichette hit .225 with four homers in a year marked by injuries. Bregman would help lengthen the lineup and make it a more difficult group for pitchers to navigate.

Bregman, 30, was an integral part of the Astros’ 2017 and 2022 championship teams and spent his entire nine-year career with the Astros. Lifetime, he is a .272 hitter with a .366 on-base percentage. He hit 26 home runs and drove in 75 runs this year while playing in 145 games.

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