Hold onto your hats, baseball fans, because the Arizona Diamondbacks might just be pulling off another jaw-dropping move this offseason. Despite earlier claims of financial constraints, the D-Backs are reportedly eyeing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, a move that could shake up the league. But here’s where it gets controversial: to make this happen, they’d likely need to trade fan-favorite second baseman Ketel Marte first. Is this a risky gamble or a genius strategy? Let’s dive in.
On Monday, a rival executive summed up the Diamondbacks’ offseason approach with a mix of sarcasm and awe: “We have no money, we have no money, we have no money… oh, Ken got aggressive.” Ken, of course, is owner Ken Kendrick, who seems to have a knack for surprising us all. Just last year, the D-Backs stunned everyone by signing free-agent right-hander Corbin Burnes, and now Bregman could be next on their wish list.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the D-Backs are indeed interested in Bregman, though the collective-bargaining agreement prevents club officials from commenting directly. Still, a source close to the team’s plans insists, “Nothing is off the table.” But this is the part most people miss: Bregman, like Burnes, has ties to the Phoenix area, shares the same agent (Scott Boras), and has young children—factors that could make Arizona an appealing destination.
Here’s the kicker: Bregman turns 32 in March, and the D-Backs might hesitate to offer a long-term deal to a hitter of that age. But if they’re willing to get creative, as they did with Burnes’s contract (which included deferrals and an opt-out clause), it’s not impossible. The question is, would Bregman settle for a shorter deal like the three-year, $120 million contract he signed with the Red Sox last offseason? As he enters his 30s, that might not be as enticing.
Trading Marte before signing Bregman would be the logical sequence, as doing it the other way around could weaken their negotiating position. Marte’s contract, with its deferrals, lowers his average annual value to $14.6 million for luxury-tax purposes, while Bregman would likely command at least double that. Yet, the D-Backs’ current payroll is $17 million lower than last season, leaving room for a big move.
If Bregman joins, he’d slot in at third base, with Jordan Lawlar, Blaze Alexander, and Tim Tawa becoming options at second. Sounds far-fetched? So did signing Burnes last year. And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Is the D-Backs’ front office onto something, or are they overreaching? Let us know in the comments.
Shifting gears, the Oakland Athletics made a bold offer to free-agent shortstop Ha-Seong Kim, proposing a four-year, $48 million deal. But Kim, true to the Scott Boras playbook, opted for a one-year, $20 million pact with the Atlanta Braves, betting on a bigger payday next offseason. This move, while risky, aligns with Boras’s strategy of maximizing value in a favorable market. The A’s, left empty-handed, will now likely turn to trades to fill their infield needs, with Brandon Lowe (Rays) and Jeff McNeil (Mets) among potential targets.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners are still reeling from losing Jorge Polanco to the Mets and are actively pursuing both Marte and the Cardinals’ Brendan Donovan. Donovan’s defensive versatility makes him an attractive option, but Marte’s proven bat (.887 OPS over the past three seasons) could be too tempting to pass up. Is Seattle better off going for the proven hitter or the versatile defender? Weigh in below.
Lastly, the Colorado Rockies appear committed to giving center fielder Brenton Doyle another chance before considering trades. Despite a rough 2025 season offensively, Doyle’s stellar defense keeps him in the conversation. The Rockies, however, might be more inclined to trade from their bullpen, where relievers like Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen have drawn interest.
As of Tuesday, only 21 of The Athletic’s top 50 free agents had signed deals, a testament to the slow-burning nature of baseball’s offseason. With nearly every team looking to improve, trades are harder to come by, but the Cardinals, Rockies, and White Sox remain notable exceptions. Are we in for a quieter offseason, or will the big moves still surprise us? Share your thoughts!
From Bregman’s potential move to the Mariners’ infield hunt, this offseason is shaping up to be anything but predictable. One thing’s for sure: the hot stove is just starting to heat up. What’s your take on these developments? Let’s keep the conversation going!
