"They’ve been asking me about that for Alex Bregman for two years" - Scott Boras says Astros slugger capable of playing 2B amid impending free agency

Houston Astros infielder Alex Bregman is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season, and his representative, Scott Boras, is doing the best he can to raise the market value of his client. Even though Bregman will be the highest-rated third baseman available in the free agent market, Boras believes his client has the versatility to play a middle infield position as well.

Alex Bregman made his debut with the Astros in 2016, winning two World Series titles over his nine years with the team. The Astros had signed Bregman to a five-year, $100 million contract extension in 2019, which will conclude at the end of this season. Bregman has reportedly not been offered another extension as yet, and he could be a sought-after free agent in the upcoming offseason.

According to Chandler Rome, beat writer covering the Astros for The Athletic, Scott Boras said on Friday that Alex Bregman “can also play second base,” even though he does not need to "sell" his client.

“When you represent people like Bregman, you don’t sell them,” Boras said. “People come to you and ask, ‘I want him to do that, I want him to do that.’ They’ve been asking me about that for him for two years.”

Thus far, Bregman has spent almost his entire major career at third base. He did play as a shortstop for his college and has played more than 100 games in that position for the Astros. However, he has only started two big league games as their second baseman.

Alex Bregman could become highest-paid IF during free agency

Alex Bregman is expected to become a free agent at the end of the 2024 season (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

The Houston Astros had reportedly planned to offer a contract extension for Alex Bregman before the start of the 2024 season, although it did not materialize eventually. Although the Astros could still end up retaining their third baseman, he could land a lucrative deal if he opts for free agency at the end of the year.

Scott Boras concluded a six-year, $151 million extension for Matt Chapman in September with the San Francisco Giants, who plays the same position as Alex Bregman. However, Bregman is a year younger than the 31-year-old Chapman with greater offensive production, factors which Boras could use as leverage for gaining an even larger payout.

As per Chandler Rome, "The six-year, $151 million extension Boras negotiated for Chapman last week should be a starting point in negotiations with Bregman, who is a year younger than Chapman and a more accomplished offensive player."

At present, Bregman is batting .255/.312/.440 for the season with an OPS+ of 112. He has 53 extra-base hits and 67 RBIs, which include 23 home runs.