Does Alex Bregman have huge contract demand in free agency?

Oct 29, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman (2) prior to game six of the 2019 World Series against the Washington Nationals at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Bregman is one of the most prominent free agents on the market, but his initial demands may be higher than previously thought.

In a new column for The Athletic, Ken Rosenthal wrote of his suspicion that Bregman and agent Scott Boras are setting very high demands on the open market that are likely higher than most teams expected. While many predictions have had Bregman pursuing a deal worth between $150 and $200 million, Rosenthal thinks the third baseman could be aiming for something similar to the 11-year, $350 million extension Manny Machado signed with the San Diego Padres in 2023.

While many might view the Machado deal as an outlier, Bregman’s camp may see it as a template. The two players are similar ages and have similar peripheral numbers over the course of their careers, and can also point to Bregman’s extensive playoff experience and success in those games. Whether the open market would agree, however, remains to be seen, as it might be a stretch for the 30-year-old to seek an 11-year contract.

Many current and former Astros have made clear that they want Bregman back, but the organization has long had a policy of refusing to go beyond five years in contract offers. That does not seem like it will work with Bregman, who will probably want a longer deal than that. At this rate, it might be more expensive than previously assumed as well.

Bregman is coming off another solid campaign in 2024, having hit .260 with 26 home runs for Houston.