Ex-Phillies GM asserts "Alex Bregman is a type of player Dave Dombrowski would like," but points Trea Turner, Bryson Stott adjustments needed for it
Alex Bregman is arguably the most accomplished infielder available in the free-agent market this year. MLB analyst Ruben Amaro Jr. believes the 30-year-old is a player that would appeal to Dave Dombrowski, the president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, but they would then need to shift Trea Turner or Bryson Stott out of the infield to accommodate him.
Amaro Jr. had an eight-year career in the MLB before he became the general manager for the Phillies in 2009. He is currently part of the Phillies television broadcast as a color commentator and a contributor to the 94.1 WPN Morning Show in Philadelphia.
Amaro Jr. was a guest on 'The Phillies Show' podcast this Monday. He offered his thoughts on Alex Bregman potentially moving to the Phillies next season.
"I like the player," Amaro Jr. said. "I think he's a type of player that Dave Dombrowski would love to have. That said, there are so many things that have to happen for him to become a Philly.
"When you sign him even before you make a trade, now you've got to figure out, where am I going to put him? Am I going to put him at second base and have Stott be the shortstop and move Trea Turner to the outfield? Is [Nick] Castellanos going to be able to move? Or do you put him at third base?" he added.
Bregman did not have a particularly good campaign in 2024, although, he eventually posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs, 75 RBIs, and 118 OPS+.
Versatility of Alex Bregman makes him an attractive option for the Phillies, says Ruben Amaro Jr.
Thus far, Alex Bregman has spent his entire nine-year major league career with the Houston Astros. He is a two-time All-Star third baseman and has picked up two World Series rings with the team. Despite being a free agent, there is still a good chance that he could re-sign with the Astros.
According to Ruben Amaro Jr., the versatility of Bregman makes him an attractive option for the Philadelphia Phillies.
"As far as the infield is concerned, he will, obviously, be playing third base. But he was an outstanding shortstop, and we know he can play second base as well. So, he has that versatility," Amaro Jr. noted.
"That being said, there are so many things that have to happen for him to be placed on this roster," he added. "That's being creative. But again, that's a whole lot of balls in the air. There's already enough balls in the air. You're asking for a lot of stuff for that to happen."
As per reports, Alex Bregman and his agent Scott Boras are expecting a contract in the region of the $350 million extension that fellow All-Star third baseman Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres in 2023.