The Philadelphia Phillies have their work cut out for them this winter as they try to retool their roster. Pressure is on manager Rob Thomson and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to deliver a World Series title for the franchise after the last few seasons have ended in disappointing fashion. The Phillies were almost swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers en route to winning back-to-back World Series titles. Now that the offseason is officially beginning, the countdown to free agency is underway.
Philadelphia has its eyes on some of the best targets in free agency, such as Kyle Schwarber and possibly Kyle Tucker. However, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com suggests the Phillies could also pursue Alex Bregman.
“After waiting out the winter for the right deal, Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million pact with the Red Sox that included $60 million in deferrals and opt-outs after 2025 and ’26,” Feinsand wrote. “Injuries limited Bregman to only 114 games this season, but he performed well when he was available, posting an .822 OPS with 18 homers. Bregman plans to opt out of his contract, giving free agency a try for the second consecutive season. Potential fits: Phillies, Red Sox, Tigers.”
If Bregman signs with the Phillies, it would likely signal the end of the Alec Bohm era in Philadelphia. Bohm has been steady defensively in The City of Brotherly Love, but his bat has been very questionable at times. This inconsistency has led to trade rumors swirling around him. Should the Phillies acquire Bregman, Bohm would become the second player in the last year to be ousted from his team by Bregman. Rafael Devers knows that feeling all too well, having been traded to San Francisco after Bregman secured his spot.
While Bohm may not be on Devers’ level, he would certainly relate to the experience of finding a new team once Bregman took over his position in the lineup.
Acquiring the veteran infielder won’t come cheap for the Phillies. Former general manager Jim Bowden recently predicted Bregman would sign a six-year contract worth $182 million. If Philadelphia plans to bring in Bregman while also retaining Schwarber, the team could be committing approximately $350 million to just two free agents.
On the bright side, Bregman would provide a significant boost to the Phillies’ World Series aspirations. His strong bat-to-ball skills combined with his solid defense at third base make him a valuable addition for a team eager to contend for a championship.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/phillies-could-steal-alex-bregman-from-red-sox-to-replace-alec-bohm-insider-10979836