As MLB’s offseason continues to simmer rather than boil, the rumor mill has finally started to churn with some heat-and the latest buzz could have ripple effects north of the border. Alex Bregman, one of the top infielders still available on the free agent market, is reportedly drawing interest from the Arizona Diamondbacks. And while that may seem like a National League storyline, the potential move could have real implications for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Let’s break it down.
Bregman’s Potential Exit from the AL East: A Quiet Win for Toronto
First things first-if Bregman ends up in Arizona, that’s a net positive for the Blue Jays. Any time a player of his caliber leaves the AL East, it’s worth noting.
Bregman has been a consistent thorn in the side of Toronto pitching. In 58 career games against the Jays, he’s slashed .279/.363/.535 with an OPS just shy of .900.
That’s not just solid-that’s impact production. He’s also been a steady force with the glove, earning a Gold Glove two seasons ago and routinely handling the hot corner with confidence.
Getting that kind of player out of the division? That’s a quiet win for a Blue Jays team looking to close the gap in a competitive AL East.
Arizona’s Path to Bregman Runs Through Ketel Marte
Now, here’s where things get interesting. If the Diamondbacks want to land Bregman, they’ll likely need to clear some financial space first.
According to reports, that could mean moving Ketel Marte, their highest-paid position player. Marte is set to earn $14 million this season (after deferrals) and is only in year two of a six-year deal that runs through 2031.
Arizona doesn’t want to lose leverage in trade talks, so any serious pursuit of Bregman would likely require Marte to be moved first. That’s where Toronto could come into play.
The Blue Jays: A Logical Landing Spot for Marte?
Toronto checks two important boxes when it comes to a potential Marte trade. One, they have the payroll flexibility to absorb his contract.
Two, there’s a potential opening at second base. While the Blue Jays could roll into the season with a combination of Ernie Clement and Davis Schneider up the middle, that’s more of a stopgap than a long-term solution.
Of course, this all hinges on Bo Bichette’s status. If the Jays bring Bichette back, the infield picture changes dramatically, and a move for Marte becomes far less likely. But if Bichette is dealt-or if he walks-the door swings open for a more aggressive move to shore up the middle infield.
The Red Sox Factor: A New Suitor for Marte or Bichette?
There’s another layer to this, and it circles back to Boston. If Bregman heads west, the Red Sox will be in the market for a replacement at third base.
That could put them in the mix for Marte-or even Bichette, depending on how things shake out. Either way, it sets up a potential AL East shuffle that could impact the Blue Jays, whether directly or indirectly.
It’s a domino effect scenario. Bregman to Arizona leads to Marte on the move, which could open up trade talks with Toronto-or give Boston another reason to pick up the phone.
What Comes Next?
Right now, this is all hypothetical. But it’s the kind of rumor that tends to set the stage for a flurry of activity.
The Jays are in a position where they can’t afford to stand still. Whether they’re in on Marte, monitoring Bichette’s future, or simply watching how Boston reacts, they’ll need to stay nimble.
The offseason may be moving slowly, but the pieces are starting to shift. And if Bregman does land in the desert, Toronto could find itself in the middle of the action-whether they planned for it or not.