Diamondbacks Pursuing Alex Bregman: Latest MLB Offseason Notes

The MLB hot stove is finally warming up. Two National League West clubs — the Arizona Diamondbacks and Oakland Athletics — are right in the thick of some of the most intriguing infield storylines.

Arizona’s pursuit of free-agent star Alex Bregman has the rumor mill buzzing. Meanwhile, Oakland’s scrambling after losing Ha-Seong Kim, and the shifting infield market is forcing front offices to get creative.

Diamondbacks Eye Alex Bregman, But Ketel Marte Trade Likely Needed

The Diamondbacks’ interest in free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman shows Arizona isn’t satisfied with recent success. They seem ready to chase more high-end talent — if they can make the numbers work.

Why Bregman Fits Arizona’s Blueprint

Bregman, who turns 32 in March, offers more than just his offensive pedigree and postseason track record. Like right-hander Corbin Burnes, another big-name Boras Corporation client Arizona landed last offseason, Bregman:

The Diamondbacks love that players can live at home year-round thanks to their unique setup with both spring training and regular-season operations in Arizona. That lifestyle edge isn’t flashy, but it’s become a real factor in how they build the roster.

The Ketel Marte Question and Payroll Puzzle

The obstacle here is cost. Bregman will probably get a contract with an average annual value at least twice that of second baseman Ketel Marte, who’s at $14.6 million per year.

Bringing in Bregman without moving significant salary would squeeze the payroll hard. That’s why any serious chase for Bregman almost certainly depends on trading Marte first.

Arizona’s payroll is already about $17 million lower than last season, but a top-of-the-market deal for Bregman would eat up that cushion and then some. Dealing Marte would free up money and might bring back young, controllable talent to help balance the books.

Of course, there’s a risk. Marte, despite inconsistency and past injuries, is still a dynamic switch-hitter who can anchor the top of a lineup. Swapping him for Bregman isn’t just about money; it could totally reshape the offense’s identity.

Athletics Miss on Ha-Seong Kim, Turn to Trade Market

While Arizona weighs a blockbuster, the Oakland Athletics already took a big swing — and missed. Their pursuit of free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim showed just how aggressive they’re willing to be to fix their infield.

Kim Chooses Short-Term Bet Over Long-Term Security

Oakland reportedly offered four years, $48 million for Kim, which is a big deal by their standards. Kim decided to go a different route, taking a one-year, $20 million deal with the Atlanta Braves so he can re-enter free agency next offseason.

For Kim, it’s a clear bet on himself: one year in a contender’s lineup, then maybe a better payday. For the A’s, it stings — they’re left with multiple infield holes and not many good free-agent options left.

Oakland’s Infield Now Depends on Trades

With Kim gone, the Athletics now have to fill both second base and third base. They see the remaining free-agent infielders as too expensive or just not worth it, so it’s trade or bust.

Here are a few names drawing interest around the league:

The Mariners and Giants look like front-runners for Donovan right now, so Oakland might have to look elsewhere if the bidding gets wild. The A’s front office has to walk a tightrope: find controllable infield talent without overpaying in prospects or taking on contracts that clash with their long-term plan.

Mariners, Giants, and Rockies Shape the Infield Market

The ripple effects of these pursuits stretch beyond Arizona and Oakland. Other NL and AL clubs are quietly shaping the market too.

Mariners’ Interest in Marte and Donovan

The Seattle Mariners have become a pivotal team in this infield shuffle. They’re reportedly interested in Ketel Marte, even with the well-known clubhouse issues from his Diamondbacks days. Seattle thinks it can handle the personality and get the most out of the talent.

The Mariners also like Brendan Donovan for his ability to play multiple positions, which fits their roster flexibility approach. If they land either Marte or Donovan, it’ll shrink the infield options for everyone else and could push Arizona to move quicker on their own decisions.

Rockies Stay Internal as Free-Agent Market Drags

Some clubs are chasing big names, but the Colorado Rockies are looking inward. They’re focused on internal evaluation, especially with center fielder Brenton Doyle, as they try to figure out who belongs in their next competitive core.

They can afford to be patient, partly because the offseason is moving slowly. Only 21 of the top 50 free agents have signed so far, so there’s still plenty of talent out there and time for slower-moving teams to reassess.

That sluggish market gives Colorado some breathing room. They can sit back, evaluate, and maybe jump in later if prices drop or something just clicks.

Conclusion: A Shifting Infield Landscape With Dominoes Still to Fall

The Diamondbacks want Alex Bregman, but they’re weighing if he’s really worth the cost—especially if it means moving Ketel Marte. The Athletics missed out on Ha-Seong Kim, so now they’re scrambling to rebuild their infield through trades.

Meanwhile, the Mariners and Giants seem more interested in versatile infielders like Brendan Donovan than in making big, flashy moves. Seattle, San Francisco, and even Colorado keep poking around the market, quietly evaluating options and shaping the landscape in their own way.

 
Here is the source article for this story: What I’m hearing about the DBacks’ interest in Alex Bregman, plus more MLB offseason notes