Too Much? Alex Bregman’s reported price tag is higher than expected which could impact the Phillies’ pursuit in free agency

It’s hot stove season, and the Phillies are already stirring the pot. Rumors are swirling about a potential shake-up at third base, with Alec Bohm reportedly on the trade block and Alex Bregman emerging as a potential target. But if Ken Rosenthal’s latest report is accurate, the Bregman sweepstakes might be more complicated—and expensive—than anyone anticipated.

According to Rosenthal, Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, isn’t settling for anything less than blockbuster money. While initial projections pegged Bregman for a seven-year, $189 million deal, Boras is reportedly eyeing a contract closer to the 11-year, $350 million extension Manny Machado signed with the Padres. If true, this shifts the entire dynamic for the Phillies and their potential pursuit of the All-Star third baseman.

Ken Rosenthal on Alex Bregman:

“The Athletic’s Tim Britton projects a seven-year, $189 million contract for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. I suspect that Bregman and his agent, Scott Boras, are aiming higher — specifically, at a deal closer to the 11-year, $350 million extension Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres in February 2023.”

Impact on the Phillies’ pursuit of Alex Bregman:

There’s no denying Bregman would be an upgrade over Bohm. Set your emotions and the love for the Phillies’ “Daycare” aside, we’re talking baseball here.

At 30 years old, Bregman brings a potent bat and solid defense, making him an appealing target for a team in win-now mode. His resume speaks for itself—two-time All-Star, two-time World Series champ, and a big-game player. All that is fantastic, obviously. However with Boras pushing for a mega-deal that could carry Bregman into his 40s, the Phillies would have to ask themselves some tough questions about their long-term financial flexibility.

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Philly already has two $300+ million players on the roster in Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. Harper’s deal runs through his age-39 season, and Turner’s contract takes him to age 40. Adding Bregman on a similarly massive deal would lock the Phillies into three aging stars making huge money into their 40s—a risky proposition for any front office.

Boras loves to push the envelope, and his track record is filled with both blockbuster successes and dragged-out sagas. Just look at last offseason, when Boras reportedly slapped a $170 million price tag on lefty Jordan Montgomery—overshooting market expectations by $70 million. That gamble backfired, leaving Montgomery unsigned until just before Opening Day on a one-year deal.

If Boras plays a similar game with Bregman, it could lead to a quiet market and a long waiting period. Teams locked in on Bregman might miss out on other free agents, which could leave them scrambling when the dust settles. For the Phillies, who are rumored to have an interest in both Bregman and Juan Soto, this kind of uncertainty could prove costly.

Phillies have other options outside of Alex Bregman and Alec Bohm:

If the Phillies are serious about moving on from Bohm, they’ll need a backup plan in case the Bregman sweepstakes spiral out of control.

One intriguing option could be trading for Nolan Arenado, assuming the Cardinals are willing to eat a portion of his remaining contract. Arenado isn’t a free agent until 2027, but he’s a proven superstar and could be a perfect bridge to Philly’s top third-base prospect, Aidan Miller.

Alternatively, the Phillies could stick with Bohm and focus on other areas of need. Bohm may not have the star power of Bregman, but he’s coming off a solid season and still has room to grow. A short-term veteran signing could also buy the Phillies time without committing to a long-term contract that might become an albatross.

Nolan Arenado on the Trade Block:

The Tigers, Yankees and Astros could be a few desirable destinations for Nolan Arenado if he were to be traded pic.twitter.com/2B1BHKPfFK

— Chris Rose Sports (@ChrisRoseSports) November 11, 2024

Bregman would make the Phillies better—no question. But at $350 million or more, the risk starts to outweigh the reward.

The Phillies need to set a hard cap on what they’re willing to spend and be prepared to pivot if Boras doesn’t budge. Whether that means exploring a trade for Arenado, patching things up with Bohm, or waiting for a better opportunity, the Phillies have options.

One thing is for sure: Scott Boras knows how to keep things interesting, and the Phillies will need to tread carefully to avoid overcommitting in what promises to be another wild offseason.

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Logan Riely Getty Images