🚨 FREE AGENCY SHOCK: The Yankees may be falling behind in pursuit of the $110 million, 3-time All-Star — why the odds say they’re unlikely to win this duel.

The New York Yankees were eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays last postseason and may need to be aggressive in free agency to get back to the World Series.Cdy Bellinger is going into free agency, and the Yankees may make him a priority. However, just bringing him back may not be enough. The Yankees’ infield could use some upgrades. Ben Rice is expected to take over at first base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. figures to be the second baseman. Anthony Volpe may miss some time, but Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone have remained consistent in saying he is their shortstop. At third base, Ryan McMahon is under contract after the Yankees acquired him near the trade deadline.

The left side of the infield could use some help. McMahon did not bring the offensive upgrade the Yankees hoped for, and there are better options in free agency. Alex Bregman is opting out of his contract, but ESPN’s David Schoenfield called the Yankees a “longshot” to sign him.

Spotrac projects Bregman to sign a four-year, $110 million deal this offseason. He was an All-Star for the first time since 2019 and was a key reason the Boston Red Sox made the postseason. He slashed .273/.360/.462 in 114 games. Before his injury in May, he was hitting .299.

He showcased that he can still be an All-Star player and would bring a major offensive upgrade to the left side of the Yankees’ infield. However, with McMahon already on the roster, adding Bregman would mean finding a trade for McMahon first.

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