The New York Yankees are no strangers to blockbuster moves, but chasing Alex Bregman this offseason would be their most ambitious play in years. After shifting the infield picture with Oswald Peraza dealt to the Angels and DJ LeMahieu released, the Yankees patched the hot corner by trading for Ryan McMahon from the Rockies. He’s solid, no doubt—steady glove, decent power—but he’s not the difference-making star that puts a contender over the top. Bregman is.

McMahon is a nice piece, but the Yankees don’t need “nice.” They need elite. Bregman brings everything McMahon doesn’t: postseason pedigree, elite plate discipline, and the ability to be a lineup anchor. He’s not just another bat. He’s the type of hitter who can extend rallies, punish mistakes, and force opposing managers to change strategy.

The Yankees’ roster is built around star power—Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger (if re-signed). Plugging in Bregman at third would give New York another All-Star-caliber threat who thrives under October pressure. His playoff track record with Houston and now Boston proves he’s the type of player who can swing a series.

Just as important, Bregman fits the Yankees’ identity. He’s a competitor who embraces the spotlight, not shies from it. The boos in Fenway or Daikin Park wouldn’t faze him—they’d fuel him.

Of course, the biggest wrinkle here is that Bregman is wearing a Red Sox uniform right now. His opt-out looms large, and Boston isn’t going to let him walk without a fight. But if New York steps in with their checkbook, the Yankees could not only solve their third-base question, they could rip the heart out of Boston’s lineup in the process

We’ve seen this movie before. When Johnny Damon shaved his beard and signed in the Bronx, the rivalry reached another gear. Poaching Bregman would be that moment all over again, only louder and nastier.

The Yankees already have competence at third base in McMahon. What they don’t have is a superstar there. If Brian Cashman wants to push this team back to dynasty-level contention, Bregman is the move that does it.