Tigers Back in the Hunt for Alex Bregman as Red Sox Weigh Their Options
Alex Bregman’s free agency tour is rolling into familiar territory - and Detroit might finally be ready to seal the deal.
Just a year ago, Bregman hit the open market after a long run with the Houston Astros. He ultimately chose the Boston Red Sox, but that deal came with an opt-out after the 2025 season. Now, after exercising that clause, he’s back on the market - and once again, the Tigers are circling.
Detroit was reportedly one of the closest contenders to land Bregman last offseason before he opted for Boston. This time, though, the Tigers may have a clearer path - and a more urgent need.
Let’s break it down: Detroit’s third base production in 2025 was, frankly, a sore spot. Their .628 OPS at the hot corner ranked dead last in the American League.
For a team with postseason aspirations, that’s a glaring hole. Bregman, even if he’s not the MVP candidate he once was, still brings a steady bat, high baseball IQ, and championship pedigree - exactly the kind of presence Detroit could use to stabilize the infield and the lineup.
Now, Boston would love to run it back with Bregman, but the calculus is a little different on their end. The Red Sox have internal options that could soften the blow if he walks. That flexibility might make them less aggressive in negotiations - and that’s where the Tigers could pounce.
Without a qualifying offer attached this time around, Bregman is a cleaner signing - no draft pick compensation, no extra hurdles. That makes him even more appealing to a team like Detroit, which has been building toward contention and might see Bregman as a finishing touch.
Both the Red Sox and Tigers made the playoffs last season, so Bregman isn’t choosing between a rebuild and a contender. He’s picking between two teams with postseason potential - and possibly between familiarity and opportunity.
This decision might come down to the finer details: contract length, role clarity, maybe even lifestyle preferences. But if Detroit is willing to open the checkbook and make a strong pitch, they could finally land the player they missed out on a year ago.
The Tigers are in this - and this time, they might just be the favorites.