The Toronto Blue Jays have already made waves this offseason, and it looks like they might not be done just yet. After introducing Dylan Cease as their marquee pitching addition during the Winter Meetings-with agent Scott Boras seated right beside GM Ross Atkins-the Jays could be gearing up for another major move. This time, the focus is shifting from the mound to the hot corner, with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman reportedly emerging as a top target.
According to a report from Ken Rosenthal, Toronto’s interest in Bregman has grown significantly. What once looked like a contingency plan now appears to be a central focus of their offseason strategy. And given how the Blue Jays have approached recent offseasons, this aggressive pursuit shouldn’t come as a shock.
Last winter, Toronto aimed high, targeting three big-name bats: Anthony Santander, Pete Alonso, and Bregman. They landed Santander on a five-year, $92.5 million deal.
While that move shored up their corner outfield, third base remained a question mark heading into 2025. But to their credit, the Jays got solid production from the platoon of Ernie Clement and Addison Barger throughout the season.
Still, as the 2026 season approaches, third base stands out as a position where Toronto could level up-especially with Bo Bichette still on the open market. Bichette has reportedly told teams he’s open to shifting to second base, which opens up some intriguing infield possibilities.
If the Jays re-sign Bo, they could roll out an infield of Bichette at second, Andrés Giménez at short, and Clement/Barger at third. But if Bichette signs elsewhere, things get trickier.
Clement could slide over to second more regularly, and Barger-who held his own in right field last season-might find himself back in the outfield mix. That leaves third base wide open, and that’s where Bregman enters the picture in a big way.
Rosenthal reports that team officials have been in recent contact with Boras regarding Bregman. While the Jays ideally want to add a left-handed bat, Bregman’s fit goes beyond handedness. Defensively, he fits seamlessly into the infield puzzle, and his leadership qualities bring added value-especially for a team that emphasized clubhouse chemistry and “vibes” in 2025.
Bregman, a two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner, is drawing interest from other clubs as well, including the Red Sox, Cubs, and Diamondbacks. But what sets him apart isn’t just his steady glove or his .272/.365/.481 career slash line with 209 home runs.
It’s the intangibles. Like Kyle Schwarber, who recently re-upped with the Phillies on a five-year, $150 million deal, Bregman is seen as a culture-setter-someone who elevates the guys around him.
That leadership piece could be a major selling point for Toronto. Bregman already shares a history with George Springer and Myles Straw from their Houston days, which could ease his integration into the Jays’ clubhouse. And for a team that’s increasingly prioritizing chemistry alongside talent, that matters.
Of course, everything comes down to dollars and years. Bichette, still just 28, is projected to land an eight-year, $212 million deal.
Bregman, slightly older, is expected to command six years and $171 million. That’s a significant investment either way, and with the Jays already spending $277 million this offseason-more than ever before-the front office is walking a financial tightrope.
Atkins has acknowledged the sticker shock on bats this winter, so Toronto may not rush into another blockbuster. But if they do, and if it involves prying Bregman away from a division rival, it could be the kind of move that shifts the balance of power in the AL East.
Bottom line: the Jays aren’t just window shopping. They’ve got their eyes on a proven winner, and if the pieces fall into place, Alex Bregman could be the next big name to land north of the border.