MLB Rumors: Alex Bregman emerges more than a “backup plan” in Toronto while Orioles circle Cardinals lefty JoJo Romero

All-Star infielder Alex Bregman continues to be on the shopping list of several MLB teams this offseason after opting out of his Boston Red Sox contract to become a free agent at the end of the 2025 season.

Bregman, who had a strong season with the Red Sox in 2025, has been strongly linked with a return to Boston. However, the Red Sox's AL East rivals, the Toronto Blue Jays have also been linked with the All-Star third baseman.

While earlier reports indicated that Bregman was a backup option for the Blue Jays if they failed in their attempt to reunite with Bo Bichette, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said that the third baseman could be more than just a backup option.

"Bregman might be more than that (backup option)," Rosenthal wrote. "Team officials have been in recent contact with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, according to sources briefed on the conversations. "Ideally, the Jays want to add a left-handed hitter, but either the right-handed Bregman or Bichette would fit their defensive alignment better than Tucker or Cody Bellinger, both of whom bat left."

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Orioles, who have surprised teams with their increased offseason activity over the last few weeks, are reportedly interested in St. Louis Cardinals reliever JoJo Romero.

Romero is heading into the final year of his contract and is reportedly on the trade block. The 29-year-old pitched to a 2.07 ERA in 65 games with a 4-6 record.

Blue Jays' increased interest in Alex Bregman's free agency should worry Red Sox

The Red Sox are the only team apart from the Colorado Rockies to not sign a free agent this offseason. However, they have seemingly put all their eggs in one basket, prioritising the reunion with Alex Bregman.

However, the Blue Jays' interest in Bregman should worry Boston's front office as the World Series runner-ups have already made a statement by adding Dylan Cease and could make another major coup by going all in for the All-Star third baseman.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash