The Toronto Blue Jays' track record with top free agents has been littered with misses of late. GM Ross Atkins' email and text messages probably look quite similar to a rejection letter at this point. 'Thank you for offering our client a record-breaking contract, but we've decided to sign elsewhere.'
It started last winter with Shohei Ohtani and has only gotten worse from there. The Blue Jays have been spurned this offseason by outfielders Juan Soto and Teoscar Hernández, along with former NL Cy Young Award-winner Corbin Burnes. The Toronto faithful are beginning to lose hope.
But perhaps there's reason for optimism following the latest connection between the Blue Jays and one of the top free agents on the open market.
Blue Jays reportedly emerge as landing spot for free agent 3B Alex Bregman after countless misses
MLB insider Jon Heyman took time away on the New Year's holiday to address a number of rumors floating about, and linked the Blue Jays to free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. The Astros have already moved on from the former All-Star after agreeing to terms with Christian Walker and trading for ex-Chicago Cubs' infielder Isaac Paredes.
Bregman could be that major piece of the puzzle that Atkins and Co. have been looking for. While both Ohtani and Soto are generational talents who are capable of carrying a franchise, Bregman is no slouch. The former first-round pick was oftentimes overshadowed by his All-Star teammates, but posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line in 2024 and has a career 132 OPS+. The 30-year-old also has a Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and two World Series rings on his résumé.
Bregman reportedly received a six-year contract offer from the Astros earlier this offseason in the range of $150 million. The Scott Boras client is said to be seeking a deal worth $200 million, which would presumably be spread out over seven seasons. That's a steep price to pay, but Toronto's lack of success in free agency may force the Blue Jays' front office to go outside their comfort zone.
An infield of Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. would be rather imposing and could put Toronto in position to compete for the AL East crown next season. Time is running out for the Blue Jays to make a splash this season, and adding Bregman would definitely help erase the growing narrative that no free agents want to sign with Toronto.