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Passan: Corbin Burnes, Alex Bregman Likely Won't Sign Contracts Until After Christmas

Scott Polacek

While there has been no shortage of headline moves this MLB offseason with Juan Soto going to the New York Mets, Blake Snell going to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cody Bellinger and Max Fried going to the New York Yankees, and Kyle Tucker going to the Chicago Cubs, two of the biggest remaining names on the market reportedly won't decide on their next teams in the immediate future.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported Thursday that starting pitcher Corbin Burnes and third baseman Alex Bregman will "likely" sign after Christmas.

"The markets for both players remain strong because a number of teams still have big money to spend," Passan noted while also pointing out they both share an agent in Scott Boras who has been known to prolong free agency negotiations if necessary.

Both Burnes and Bregman are in line for major paydays, as Passan reported the former's deal will likely exceed Fried's eight-year, $218 million one with the latter's potentially being around $200 million.

Having a number of teams interested in both also helps with leverage, as Passan highlighted the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Mets, Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies as potential landing spots for Bregman and the San Francisco Giants, Blue Jays and Baltimore Orioles as suitors for Burnes.

Burnes, 30, is someone who can anchor a team's rotation for years to come with a resume that includes the 2021 National League Cy Young, an ERA title and four All-Star selections.

Last season was his first in the American League after spending six years with the Milwaukee Brewers, and he still thrived for Baltimore while posting a 2.92 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 181 strikeouts in 194.1 innings.

It was his third straight season with more than 190 innings, underscoring the type of durability suitors will be looking for in pursuit of an ace.

As for Bregman, he is also 30 years old with a notable list of accomplishments that includes two World Series titles, a Silver Slugger, a Gold Glove and two All-Star selections. He slashed .260/.315/.423 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI last season for the Houston Astros.

Both players will elevate the ceilings of whichever team they choose, but it seems like baseball fans will have to wait for those decisions for at least another week.

   

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