Could Alex Bregman Opt Out and Join the Atlanta Braves?

The latest buzz around Major League Baseball has everyone talking. Rumors say All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman plans to opt out of his contract and test the free-agent market for a bigger payday.

His numbers from this past season have definitely caught the eye of front offices all over. But could the Atlanta Braves actually be a realistic landing spot? That’s a tough one, honestly. The roster and the team’s usual way of doing things make it complicated—and honestly, maybe not too likely.

Alex Bregman’s Stellar Season Puts Him in High Demand

Bregman just wrapped up his best season in years. He posted a .272 batting average, an .820 OPS, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs over 114 games.

It felt like a real resurgence, and now he’s back in those top-tier free agent conversations for the upcoming offseason. Industry folks estimate his market value at $27.7 million per year over a four-year deal.

If that happens, he’d instantly become the highest-paid player on the Braves, even more than Austin Riley’s $22 million annual salary.

The Braves’ Current Infield Landscape

Atlanta already has long-term stability at third base. Riley’s locked into his deal and remains one of the club’s most consistent offensive threats.

Bregman has played shortstop and second base before, but it’s been a while—his last regular run at shortstop was back in 2019. There’s not much to suggest he’d want or be able to switch spots full-time now.

This makes things tricky for the Braves. They’d have to figure out where to put Bregman defensively without messing with the chemistry and production of their infield.

Atlanta’s Free Agency Philosophy

The Braves’ front office has a pretty clear pattern. They usually save big contracts for guys they’ve developed or traded for and then extended before free agency.

They hardly ever go big on marquee free agents, especially those represented by Scott Boras. That’s just not their style.

Changing that approach would mean not just a huge financial commitment but also a shift in the way the team’s handled contracts for years.

Potential Scenario for Signing Bregman

There’s maybe one path, though it’s a stretch. If Ha-Seong Kim leaves in free agency, the Braves could think about shuffling positions to fit Bregman in.

But with Riley locked in and Bregman not really familiar with shortstop duties anymore, this feels pretty speculative at best.

Why Bregman Would Be a Strong Addition

Even if the fit seems awkward, the upside is hard to ignore. Bregman brings:

• Proven postseason experience with multiple deep playoff runs.
• Elite plate discipline and a knack for clutch hits.
• Some versatility across the infield, though not as much lately.
• Leadership qualities that could help any clubhouse.

For a team already stacked offensively, adding another big bat like his could push them even closer to championship territory. Tempting, right?

Final Thoughts

Bregman’s upcoming free agency is shaping up to be one of the offseason’s biggest stories. His recent surge and projected market value have pushed him high on a lot of teams’ wish lists.

For the Braves, though, signing him would mean straying from their usual playbook. It’d also force a tricky roster shuffle.

Right now, unless something unexpected happens in their infield, it’s tough to see Bregman landing in Atlanta. Still, wherever he ends up could shake up the competitive balance, and everyone in the baseball world will be glued to the news when he finally hits the market.

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