Throughout the MLB offseason, teams like the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Detroit Tigers have emerged as frontrunners in the pursuit of star free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman.
Recently, reports suggest that the two-time All-Star has reopened discussions with the Houston Astros, the team he has represented for his entire nine-year MLB career, about a potential return for the 2025 season and beyond.
New York Post baseball columnist and MLB Network insider Jon Heyman revealed on Friday that both the Astros and Cubs were “believed to be showing significant interest” in Bregman. The Astros, in particular, appear willing to adjust their defensive lineup to accommodate the 30-year-old, who has been their primary third baseman since debuting in 2016.
Heyman noted that Houston might consider moving Isaac Paredes, a 2024 All-Star third baseman acquired during the offseason, to second base, with franchise icon Jose Altuve shifting from second base to left field. While Paredes has logged 67 games at second base from 2021–2023 and has experience at first base and shortstop, Altuve has only played two of his 1,766 career games outside of second base—and has never played in the outfield.
However, ESPN senior writer David Schoenfield, as part of his “Bold predictions for rest of the 2024–25 MLB offseason,” introduced a new contender for Bregman’s services: the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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Dodgers ‘Might Be a Surprise Fit’
From signing Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) star utility player Hyeseong Kim to a three-year, $12.5 million contract in January to finalizing deals with All-Star closer Kirby Yates and other key players, the Dodgers have had an active offseason. These moves build on earlier acquisitions, including stud starting pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, All-Star closer Tanner Scott, and re-signing All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez.
Despite their busy offseason, Schoenfield believes the Dodgers may not be finished.
“Why should the Dodgers stop now? If Bregman can’t find the big deal he wants, the Dodgers might be a surprise fit,” Schoenfield wrote. “Max Muncy is a free agent after 2025 and prone to strikeouts. Hyeseong Kim’s bat projects as more of a utility infielder than a starting second baseman. Bregman can shift between second and third in 2025 and then replace Muncy in 2026.”
While the Dodgers are projected to have the highest Opening Day payroll in MLB at $374 million—far surpassing the Phillies ($303 million) and Yankees ($298 million)—Schoenfield argues they could still afford Bregman.
“Too much money even for the Dodgers? Not really,” he added. “Between Muncy, Chris Taylor, Michael Conforto, and Miguel Rojas, the Dodgers have $49.5 million coming off the books after this season (and the pitching staff is set for years).”
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Where Would Bregman Fit in the Dodgers Lineup?
Already boasting an elite bullpen and rotation, the Dodgers’ 2025 lineup looks as potent as ever. Adding Bregman would elevate an already loaded roster into historic territory.
Here’s a projection of the Dodgers’ potential Opening Day lineup with Bregman:
Projected Starting Lineup:
DH Shohei Ohtani
SS Mookie Betts
1B Freddie Freeman
RF Teoscar Hernandez
C Will Smith
3B Alex Bregman
LF Michael Conforto
CF Tommy Edman
2B Hyeseong Kim/Max Muncy
The Dodgers already feature three MVP winners—Ohtani (three MVPs), Betts (2018 AL MVP), and Freeman (2020 NL MVP)—anchoring their lineup. Hernandez and Smith add more firepower as two-time All-Stars.
Additionally, the team secured NLCS MVP Tommy Edman to a contract extension this offseason and signed Kim while retaining All-Star utility player Chris Taylor. If Bregman joins, Muncy could transition to a platoon role with Kim, while Conforto shifts lower in the order.
A potential Bregman signing would give the reigning World Series champions a staggering 29 All-Star appearances among their starting nine (including Muncy), with Taylor and Muncy adding even more accolades off the bench.
Simply unparalleled.
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