Phillies Rumors: Jeff Passan's perfect move would drastically change middle of lineup

Re-signing Kyle Schwarber is the Philadelphia Phillies' top priority this winter. However, they have other needs, especially if they trade Nick Castellanos and Alec Bohm, and could use some new faces in the clubhouse after two disappointing NLDS losses. Enter free agent Alex Bregman, who opted out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox.

ESPN's Jeff Passan recently compiled a list of what he believes is each team's perfect offseason addition. For the Phillies, the MLB insider thinks third baseman Bregman is the ideal move for Philadelphia. The case can certainly be made that the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft is the right kind of player the Phillies need to add to help win a World Series.

Alex Bregman represents perfect Phillies addition this offseason according to Jeff Passan

Passan contends that Bregman checks all the boxes for what the Phillies need in terms of an impact hitter to improve the middle of the lineup and a player who can help lead the younger members of the roster.

If the Phillies re-sign Schwarber, will president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski and managing partner John Middleton be willing to sign another top free agent to an expensive multi-year deal? If they don't bring back Schwarber, there's a better chance of adding Bregman.

Kyle Tucker will be too costly, so the next two options for the front office to consider signing would be Cody Bellinger and Bregman. ESPN's Kiley McDaniel predicts Bellinger will agree to a six-year, $165 million deal ($27.5 million AAV). McDaniel projects that Bregman's new contract will be for five years and $160 million ($32 million AAV).

Bregman was solid for the Red Sox in 2025 despite missing time with a right quadriceps strain. He hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games. While his counting stats suffered, his .822 OPS was his highest since 2019 when he posted a career-best 1.015 OPS with the Houston Astros.

Bregman made the 2025 All-Star Game, the third time in his career. However, due to his injury he was unable to play.

His drop in RBI the past two years, with 75 in 2024 and 62 this season, from his totals of 93 in 2022 years ago and 98 in 2023 is a concerning trend. However, if Bregman joins an established Phillies club with veteran hitters led by Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, the third baseman may see a rise in his production.

Bregman would bring excitement for the Phillies fan base leading up to Opening Day next season as an experienced new addition who has had previous success. He was a part of some excellent clubs with the Astros, including the team that defeated Philadelphia in the 2022 World Series.

Back in October, The Athletic's Jayson Stark said that the Phillies should sign Bregman. The insider envisions the addition as a game-changer for the organization, comparing him to their addition of Pete Rose before the 1979 season. Philadelphia won the National League East from 1976 to 1978 but lost in the NLCS each year, which motivated them to sign the veteran infielder. He helped the organization win its first World Series in 1980.

If the Phillies were to sign Bregman, the leadership he would bring to the clubhouse would be a huge plus. He went to great lengths to help his Red Sox teammates this season (subscription required). Any team could use a player like Bregman. The Phillies could, especially to help them win a championship.

He served as a mentor to the Red Sox's younger players, including Roman Anthony and Kristian Campbell. Philadelphia will have prospects Justin Crawford and Aidan Miller both on track to potentially make their debuts next year. Bregman seems capable of helping guide their transitions to the majors.

Signing Bregman does carry some risk, but so does adding or re-signing any available free agent over the age of 30. His experience and leadership would be beneficial, and he could be the sort of difference-maker the Phillies need to finally win.