"Not much smoke connecting Alex Bregman to Mets" - MLB insider predicts AL Central as top destination for 2x All-Star, skeptical about AL East

Two-time All-Star Alex Bregman’s free agency is a “mystery,” according to MLB insider Robert Murray, who sees the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays as the top contenders to sign him. This is despite rumored interest from teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Chicago Cubs.

Murray views the Tigers as the most likely landing spot, citing their clear need, organizational fit and connection to manager A.J. Hinch. Bregman and Hinch were both part of the Houston Astros' 2017 World Series-winning team.

"I think the Tigers are a threat here," Murray said Thursday on the "Baseball Insiders" podcast (9:54 mark). "They have the need. They have the connection with A.J. Hinch from his time together with Bregman in Houston."

"There are a lot of different factors that point to them being a real threat here. I'm not saying it's going to happen by any means, but there’s no real clear threat besides the Tigers, at least at this point."

The Red Sox have also been mentioned as a potential suitor, but skepticism remains.

"I'm still skeptical about Boston," Murray added. "I don’t know about other reporters, but I’ve not heard much smoke connecting Bregman to the Mets. Take that for whatever it’s worth. But yeah, it’s the Tigers for me. I just don’t know — his market is kind of a mystery at this point, besides Detroit."

Another MLB sees Alex Bregman as a Red Sox fit

While Robert Murray believes the Tigers are the frontrunners, another MLB insider thinks the Red Sox will ultimately sign Alex Bregman.

Ken Rosenthal sees Fenway Park as an ideal destination where Bregman’s talent could thrive.

“Bregman to me is an obvious fit, most likely would be at 2nd base with the Red Sox but he also could play 3rd, you could move Devers, make him and Casas perhaps a DH / 1st base combination,” Rosenthal said on "Foul Territory TV."

“But are the Red Sox willing to spend on an Alex Bregman? That remains to be seen. To me, he is the perfect fit, right-handed batter. That’s something they desperately need. A leader for their younger players, something they could use as well.”

Who do you think is more likely to sign Alex Bregman — the Red Sox or the Tigers? Share your thoughts with us.