Yankees could sign Astros superstar slugger in free agency, per insider

With just under a month left in the season, the New York Yankees are looking to catch fire ahead of a playoff run.

Regardless of what happens after the 2024 season, the Yankees are expected to be one of the more active teams in teh free-agent market this offseason.

While re-signing Juan Soto is by far the biggest objective, there's a good chance the Yankees will need to find a new name to man the hot corner.

After the San Francisco Giants locked Matt Chapman to a six-year extension, the biggest name currently set to hit the market is Houston Astros superstar Alex Bregman, who has been a thorn in the Yankees' side for years.

Could he become a mainstay in The Bronx after this offseason, though? Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic isn't ruling it out.

"Bregman, who at 30 is a year younger than [Matt] Chapman, now becomes the most prominent free-agent third baseman available," Rosenthal wrote Thursday . "Don’t forget the New York Yankees, who could move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to second in place of Gleyber Torres, opening up third."

Bregman may not be hitting like his typical self, but he's been more of a threat during the second half with a 132 OPS+ in 34 games since the All-Star break.

Assuming the Yankees re-sign Soto to a deal that could cost them upwards of $500 million in total value and potentially $50 million in average annual value, there won't be a whole lot they can do in terms of adding star power.

At least, that would be the case if Hal Steinbrenner is afraid to get too deep into the luxury tax again.

The Yankees have roughly $106 million coming off the books with a major chunk of that going to Soto if he re-signs. With needs for starting pitching and the bullpen, Bregman may be out of the Yankees' reach.

Then again, it's the Yankees. If they want to pay for a difference-making free agent at a premium position, they'll do it.

MORE YANKEES
Yankees' brass divided on keeping top prospect in minors
Yankees nearly made blockbuster deadline trade for All-Star closer
Yankees may decline Aaron Boone's option, per insider