Ex-Dodgers GM highlights major obstacle in Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander's free agency

Some big names, including Alex Bregman, Pete Alonso and Anthony Santander, are yet to be signed. It seems their contract negotiations haven't reached a settlement, leaving them to search for better deals.

Former Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti weighed in on the challenges facing teams in the pursuit of marquee free agents. Colletti highlighted a common sticking point: contract length.

"The top three guys you mentioned are obviously capable of changing a game—or many games," Colletti said on NorCal Sports Network (00:20 onwards).

"I’m sure they’re looking for the right fit, but they’re probably looking for one more year than anybody’s willing to give them. Typically, it’s one more year. If you’ve gotten this far along, the money isn’t the issue; it’s how long you’re going to pay it — that’s the issue."

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Latest on Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman and Anthony Santander's free agencies

The New York Mets reportedly offered Pete Alonso a three-year, $90 million deal, but the first baseman is lobbying for more years on his contract. With him over 30, the Mets are obviously concerned about whether giving him a long-term is what they want.

Washington Nationals and the Arizona Diamondbacks are other teams shopping first baseman but might not be willing to offer Alonso the big deal he wants.

Meanwhile, Alex Bregman has drawn plenty of interest from teams, most notably the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers. The Red Sox could potentially meet the demand of Bregman's $200 million contract desire, but the thong is that Rafael Devers might not be willing to give up third base.

That in conjunction with Triston Casas at first base and several prospects ready to make major league debut at second base, has given the club a little margin to sign Alex Bregman if not on a favorable deal. That has led many to believe that the Tigers could sign the third baseman.

After a career year with the Baltimore Orioles, Anthony Santander, 30, was first thought to be drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays. Insider Shi Davidi wrote on Wednesday:

"To wit, they’re staying in the game on Anthony Santander, although they’re probably not the favourite to land the switch-hitting outfielder right now."

It's still January, and as Ned Colletti said, all three of them should get signed by the time we enter Super Bowl week.