Mariners-Alex Bregman dreams still alive after another team admits defeat
The Seattle Mariners infield situation remains relatively unanswered — especially at the hot corner — as spring training draws near.
Josh Rojas played most games at third base last year, but he signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox. Free agent acquisition Donovan Solano is a candidate to take over some third base duties, and while he’s a respected major league infielder, he’s barely even an everyday player.
Currently, the Mariners’ third base options are Solano, who is currently 37 years old and in the twilight of his career, and utilityman Dylan Moore. The Mariners also acquired Miles Mastrobuoni in a trade with the Cubs, but he was a -0.2 bWAR player last season.
One free agent option still available is Alex Bregman, who rejected a $156 million contract from the Houston Astros this offseason. Bregman is rumored to want a long-term contract with his next team and is not considering a short-term deal. The Cubs were rumored to be suitors for the two-time All-Star. However, according to Bob Nightengale of the USA Today, the Cubs will rely on infield options within the organization.
So, with the Cubs out of the running for Bregman, now is the chance for the Mariners to see how they can capitalize.
Bregman is still in the prime of his career as he enters his 10th season in the major leagues. The veteran third baseman is coming off his third straight season of 4+ bWAR and won his first Gold Glove last season. As an AL West rival of the Mariners, Bregman is familiar with how to play at T-Mobile Park, so there shouldn’t be too much of an adjustment.
Signing Bregman not only solidifies an infield spot in need but it changes the perception that the Mariners are just trying to get by instead of going for it all. Bregman would be an instant upgrade over Rojas and Solano and help fix an offense that dragged its feet throughout the 2024 season. With the Cubs reportedly out of the picture, Bregman’s market remains as narrow and stagnant as its ever been. If not now, when will the Mariners capitalize on signing a star free agent?
