Mets 'eye another nine-figure free agent' after Juan Soto... and they have key edge over Yankees

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Juan Soto isn't agent Scott Boras' only client in line for a nine-figure deal this offseason.

After the All-Star slugger defected from the New York Yankees to the Mets for $765 million, Houston Astros free agent Alex Bregman is now being eyed by the front office in Queens, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

Of course, the Mets aren't alone in their pursuit of the two-time World Series winner. Bregman, a Gold Glove winner at third base in 2024, has also draw interest from the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Astros and, of course, the Yankees.

The Bronx Bombers would seem like an obvious landing spot for Bregman after missing out on Soto – particularly with a glaring need at first base.

But beyond Mets owner Steve Cohen's billions of dollars – a key factor in any free-agent pursuit – New York's National League club does have one key edge over the crosstown rival Yankees.

A right-handed pull hitter, Bregman has struggled with Yankee Stadium's distant left-field wall over his career. As a result, the New Mexico native has only a .207 lifetime average in the Bronx in 92 at-bats.

Houston Astros free agent Alex Bregman is now being eyed by the front office in Queens

Juan Soto sits with agent Scott Boras during his introductory press conference at Citi Field

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And worst of all, Bregman's usually respectable power was zapped at Yankee Stadium, where his lifetime slugging percentage is just .359 across 29 games. For comparison, Bregman has a career .483 slugging percentage, which has certainly been aided by Minute Maid Park's short left-field porch in Houston.

Bregman's numbers at Citi Field aren't particularly impressive (he's 6 for 24 with one extra-base hit), but he's only played give games in Queens, so the sample size isn't likely large enough to be indicative of anything.

If the Mets do bring in Bregman, it could mean the end for All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso in Queens. Promising corner infielder Mark Vientos could move permanently to first base with Bregman at the hot corner. 

But again, with Cohen's unmatched wealth, anything is possible at Citi Field.  

The Yankees, meanwhile, have not been sitting on their hands since losing Soto.

Last week, New York acquired the All-Star closer from the Milwaukee Brewers for left-hander Nestor Cortes and infield prospect Caleb Durbin. The Yankees will send $2 million to the Brewers as part of the trade.

'He's a year away from free agency but someone that we´ve tried to acquire for a number of years,' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said. 'I´m sure we weren´t the only bidders here in the end.'

Williams was 14 for 15 in save chances with a 1.25 ERA, striking out 38 and walking 11 among 88 batters over 21 2/3 innings. His fastball averaged 94.7 mph and he threw it on 53.5 pitches of his pitches, mixing in 45 pitches changeups - known as the 'Airbender' - and around 1.5 percent cutters.

William's 43.2-percent strikeout percentage was the highest in the major leagues among pitchers with at least 20 innings.

'Certainly doesn´t seem to be afraid,' Cashman said. 'You can´t do that job if you´re afraid of the big stage.'

New York had an excess of starters after reaching a $218 million, eight-year agreement with left-hander Max Fried that is pending. The rotation also is projected to include ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, with Marcus Stroman also available.