On paper, free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman makes a lot of sense for the New York Yankees.
But in the real world, that move comes with baggage and risks, MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds said.
“I just think that you can’t overlook that there is bad blood there,” Reynolds said. “So you’ve got to explain it. And on Alex’s part, if he doesn’t get off to a hot start playing in the Bronx, what do you think the fans are gonna be yelling at him the whole time? That’s a tough pit.”
The Yankees fans have greeted the Astros, mostly Jose Altuve and former Astro Carlos Correa, with some vulgar cheers in reference to the cheating scandal that rocked the baseball world in 2019.
The Yankees clubhouse, as well as GM Brian Cashman, have been vocal about the 2017 Astros team, which used electronics to steal and convey signs to hitters, having potentially robbed them of a trip to the World Series.
Just recently, Cashman implied there should be an asterisk on the Yankees’ 15-year absence from the World Series because of the Astros.
But, baseball comes down to needs and Reynolds’ cohort on MLB Network’s Hot Stove, Matt Vasgersian, explained he sees the fit but doesn’t think it would work.
“For the Yankees sure the need is apparent, right? (Bregman) plugs right into third base. Jazz Chisholm goes to center field or second base, and you’re all set. I’m not quite sure about it,” Vasgersian said. “I don’t know how many ex-Astros have been coveted in the Bronx.”
Still, Cashman confirmed the Yankees interest in Bregman, admitting to having talked with his agent Scott Boras. And former Yankee and Astro Cameron Maybin sees Bregman fitting in with Yankees captain Aaron Judge.
And Vasgersian pointed out that if Bregman gets off to a hot start in pinstripes, he’d be fine.
“Look, if he signed with the Yankees and hit a homer on Opening Day, he’s a Yankee period,” Vasgersian said. “I get it. You know, that’s how fickle we are. And you and I fall into that same category,”
More MLB: MLB insider downplays Yankees interest in former Mets slugger.
