The New York Yankees are in a “shuffle mode.” And they might be staring down at a massive off-season decision—moving on from their current shortstop and taking a swing at a player who’s been their postseason villain one time and making him their biggest weapon—Alex Bregman.

Over at Talkin Yanks, one host said, “$16 million for a third baseman that definitely has the glove, and I’m not sure what you have with the bat, doesn’t fit this current Yankee. He is a luxury piece, and the Yankees don’t operate in luxury pieces.”

That luxury piece—Ryan McMahon.

Sure, the New York Yankees’ infield is right now in flux, given Volpe’s recovery and role changes. But that’s not stopping the fans and analysts from eyeing the former Astros superstar for the Bronx. Because let’s be honest—sure, McMahon has been great, but he is not the offensive powerhouse that the Yankees need right now.

And given that Alex Bregman’s future in Boston is up in the air, the stars could align for a major shakeup in the Bronx. After that disappointing 2025 season, the Yankees’ lineup needs that spark plug who can turn close games into statement wins. Clint Frazier, the former Yankee, also said on his YouTube channel that Bregman should be “at the top of the Christmas list” for the New York Yankees.

This is even if some fans might not have forgiven him for his role in the 2017 Astros scandal. But as Frazier said, “You’ve got to let bygones be bygones,” and he might be right.

What Talkin’ Yanks said makes sense. For the money McMahon commands and the glove-first game he brings, it doesn’t fit the roster right. For now, elite production at the plate is required, and this is where Bregman shines. Because, despite limited action this season due to injury, Bregman hit .273 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs for the Boston Red Sox. Not to mention that he brings that “veteran ”leadership, and this is something the Yankees need.

If Craig Breslow and Boston can’t meet Bregman’s asking price, then it’s not hard to imagine the Yankees in.

Boston Red Sox are walking a tightrope; if Alex Bregman doesn’t return

The truth is—Alex Bregman wasn’t just another veteran signing for the Boston Red Sox—he became the backbone. He didn’t just hit. 273 with 18 homers and 62 RBIs; he built a culture. Several times, news of rookies leaning on him and pitchers bouncing ideas off him has come around. He is the one hitters’ turn to when their swings go cold. He brings leadership that’s far beyond the batting box, and Boston loses that if Bregman doesn’t return.

Essentially, it is about them replacing his presence. Boston is a mostly young roster, and they needed that veteran presence to start believing they can go deep again. Bregman’s calm focus and mentorship gave Boston what they have been missing since the early 2010s. That presence doesn’t show on the analytics sheet, but it changes how a team looks without him.

Now, with Craig Breslow weighing in on whether to go forward, they might look into options like Marcelo Mayer to fill that role. Mayer’s defense is elite for sure, but asking a 23-year-old to replace Bregman’s production and even his influence is a dangerous bet.

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Plus, if Boston go to the free agents like Pete Alonso or even returns to Kyle Schwarber, they might get more home runs—but less identity there. The Red Sox have been here before, letting go of veteran glue guys only to realize their value later. Losing Bregman would not leave a gap in 3b; it would tear the foundation of the clubhouse they built apart.

If the Red Sox have contending dreams, they can’t let that fire walk out of Boston!