Boras: Bregman not interested in signing short-term deal
Spring training is about a month away, but Alex Bregman still isn't ready to lower his asking price.
The All-Star third baseman's agent, Scott Boras, told USA Today's Bob Nightengale that his client - who remains a free agent - is still seeking a long-term deal and isn't interested in signing a shorter contract with opt-outs.
"Bregman's a championship player, teams know it," Boras said. "It's really a matter of his decision-making and theirs, about how you can close up that gap. There's substantial interest (in long-term) deals."
Bregman became a free agent for the first time this winter following nine seasons with the Houston Astros. The 30-year-old headed to the open market after a bit of a down year at the plate in which he hit .260/.315/.453 with 26 homers and 75 RBIs over 145 games. However, Bregman won his first Gold Glove at the hot corner.
The Astros and Bregman were apparently far apart in negotiations earlier in the winter. Bregman reportedly sought a deal north of $200 million, while the Astros offered $156 million over six years. Houston chose to move on after acquiring Isaac Paredes to play third base.
The Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays have been linked to Bregman this offseason. He and his camp remain engaged with all three teams, according to Nightengale, although no deal appears to be imminent.
Signing Bregman will require a team to forfeit a draft pick since he turned down the Astros' qualifying offer in November.