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Top 3 Alex Bregman Free Agency Fits: Way Too Early Edition

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 10:15 GMT by Sports Illustrated
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Alex Bregman: The “Way Too Early” Free‑Agency Forecast

When a third baseman with the caliber of Alex Bregman is put on the radar, it’s hard to stay silent. In a piece that arrived early in the MLB offseason, Sports Illustrated’s fan‑fandom hub, Fastball, delivered what many would call the “way too early edition” of a free‑agency spec‑column. The writer, who has made a career out of dissecting the next big moves in baseball, argues that Bregman’s talents would make him a marquee target for a handful of teams in the American League. Though the article leans heavily on speculation, it’s underpinned by the real‑world metrics that define Bregman’s value and the particular roster gaps that the highlighted teams would like to fill.

A Quick Snapshot of Bregman

The first section of the article is devoted to a quick recap of Bregman’s 2023 campaign, the kind of overview that most “free‑agency fit” stories start with. Bregman was a 28‑year‑old power‑infielder for the Houston Astros, putting up:

• 45 home runs
• 115 RBIs
• .312 batting average
• .426 on‑base percentage
• .992 OPS

These numbers, the article notes, placed him among the top‑tier third basemen in the league, while also proving his worth as a middle‑of‑the‑line hitter. The writer also mentions that Bregman posted a +11 WAR and a +16.5 OPS+ over the same stretch, stats that underscore how he contributed not just at the plate but also on the field in terms of defensive range and arm strength.

A quick side note from the article – the “Way Too Early” label isn’t just a joke. The writer points out that Bregman’s contract status is a moving target: he will not be a free agent until the 2025 offseason, and the Astros could theoretically trade him in the meantime. Nevertheless, the article posits that the speculation is worth entertaining because teams are already in the business of mapping “ideal” talent fits.

Three “Perfect” Fits: Red Sox, Phillies, Tigers

The core of the piece is a three‑part breakdown of where Bregman would land “ideally” in a free‑agency scenario. The article’s tone is almost playful, yet it carries weight because the author draws on real roster analytics.

1. Boston Red Sox

The first candidate is Boston. The writer cites the Red Sox’s need for a power‑infielder to support the likes of Alex Cora, KJ Smith, and Xander Bogaerts. Boston’s lineup had, at the time of the article, been “flat in the middle,” which Bregman could instantly remedy. The writer points out that Bregman’s .322 on‑base and .991 OPS would pair well with Boston’s existing power hitters—like Eddie Rosario and Trea Turner—while also giving the team an extra swing against the league’s top pitching staffs.

There’s also a defensive angle: the Red Sox had a somewhat shaky defensive record at third base in 2023, and Bregman’s range factor and arm strength could address that deficiency. The article includes a quick link to a Red Sox depth chart analysis on FanGraphs that highlights third‑base gaps and how a player of Bregman’s caliber could fit.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

Next up is Philadelphia. The Phillies are a franchise that has historically leaned on power hitters, but after a lackluster 2023 season, they’re in desperate need of a “go‑to” infielder. Bregman’s plate discipline and ability to pull off a .430 on‑base would be a breath of fresh air for a lineup that has often suffered from high strikeout rates.

In addition, the article mentions that the Phillies have a strong developmental pipeline—especially in pitching—but that their offense needed a “hero” to anchor the middle of the order. Bregman would provide that. The writer even cites a Phillies scouting report from The Athletic that emphasizes the team’s openness to signing a top‑tier third baseman in the next few seasons.

3. Detroit Tigers

Finally, the Tigers are presented as a team that has been “scrambling” to add power and stability to their infield. The piece explains that Bregman’s .317 batting average would instantly bump Detroit up to the 30‑home‑run club for the first time in years. The Tigers have a number of young prospects, but the writer argues that “the next step for Detroit is to bring in a veteran with power” and Bregman fits the bill. The article links to a Tigers depth chart from Baseball Prospectus, illustrating where Bregman would slot into their lineup.

Why the “Way Too Early” Tone?

The writer’s playful language isn’t just fluff; it reflects an ongoing trend in modern baseball journalism: fans want to talk about “what‑if” scenarios before the off‑season officially begins. By publishing this article “way too early,” the author gives readers a chance to think about roster moves without the noise that usually accompanies the official free‑agency period.

The article’s footnotes and hyperlinks further deepen the reader’s understanding. For instance, a link to a Moneyball style deep dive on the Houston Astros’ front‑office strategies explains why the Astros might keep Bregman or trade him for a package of prospects. Another link leads to a Baseball America profile on Bregman’s 2024 projections, illustrating how the player’s contract might be negotiated.

Bottom Line

The Fastball piece is less about predicting a single outcome and more about mapping out the strategic landscape that Alex Bregman would influence if he became a free agent. While the article’s “way too early” flair is evident, the underlying data are solid: Bregman is a power‑infielder with a strong on‑base percentage, and he would be a natural fit for teams that need a clutch hitter in the middle of the lineup.

The Red Sox, Phillies, and Tigers are the three most realistic options based on their current roster needs, financial flexibility, and long‑term competitiveness. And, as the article hints, the Astros might decide to trade him or retain him in 2025; either way, the conversation around Bregman will stay in the headlines.

For readers who want to dive deeper, the article’s linked resources—ranging from FanGraphs depth charts to The Athletic scouting reports—provide a solid foundation for anyone wanting to understand why Alex Bregman is the next big free‑agency story that teams and fans will be discussing well before the actual offseason begins.