Report: Jays have strong interest in Bregman, among teams eyeing Alonso

The Toronto Blue Jays appear to have their sights on two of the biggest remaining stars available in free agency.

Toronto is showing strong interest in third baseman Alex Bregman and is among eight teams eyeing first baseman Pete Alonso, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

Bregman is one of the top free agents still available in free agency. The 30-year-old is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion who posted an .848 OPS with 191 home runs and 663 RBIs during nine seasons with the Houston Astros.

He'd be an upgrade for the Blue Jays, who project to start defensive specialist Ernie Clement at the hot corner.

Bregman has also been linked to the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox this winter after he turned down a six-year, $156-million deal from the Astros.

Alonso could fill Toronto's need for a power bat after it finished 26th in homers last season. The 30-year-old has hit 226 round-trippers since 2019, which ranks second in the big leagues behind Aaron Judge.

The Blue Jays already have Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as their starting first baseman, but Alonso could slot in as the team's designated hitter, or Guerrero could shift to third base, where he has 110 games of big-league experience.

The "Polar Bear" has also been connected to the Red Sox and the New York Mets this offseason.

The Blue Jays have mostly been quiet throughout the winter. They traded for second baseman Andrés Giménez and reliever Nick Sandlin and signed right-hander Yimi García to a two-year deal.

Toronto reportedly made a huge offer to Juan Soto before he signed with the Mets. The club has also been linked to free-agent outfielder Anthony Santander.