The Detroit Tigers head into the winter with more questions than answers - and that’s not exactly unfamiliar territory for this franchise. After showing real promise through the first half of last season, Detroit faltered when the games mattered most, fading down the stretch and coming up short in October. Now, as the offseason heats up, the spotlight shifts to the front office and ownership, and whether they’re finally ready to make a serious move.
One of the biggest storylines to watch? The Tigers’ willingness - or reluctance - to spend big.
That’s been the elephant in the room for years now. Outside of a high-spending window about a decade ago, Detroit has largely operated with a cautious, budget-conscious approach.
But if they’re serious about turning the corner, that mindset might need to change.
Enter Bo Bichette.
There’s growing buzz that the Tigers could be eyeing Bichette as a marquee addition this offseason. In fact, one prediction has Detroit landing the All-Star shortstop on an eight-year, $208 million deal - a contract that would signal a major shift in the Tigers’ approach to roster building.
It’s a bold projection, but it’s not without logic. Last winter, Detroit reportedly made a strong push for Alex Bregman, another high-profile infielder.
That deal didn’t materialize, but it showed a willingness to at least engage at the top of the market. Bichette could represent a similar - and perhaps better - long-term fit.
Offensively, Bichette brings a reliable bat and a consistent track record of production. He’s a career .300 hitter with pop, and he plays with the kind of edge and energy that could help define a young team’s identity. Defensively, he’s been a shortstop throughout his career, which is where things get interesting for Detroit.
The Tigers’ top prospect, Kevin McGonigle, is a shortstop himself - and not just any prospect. He’s currently ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in baseball and is considered a real candidate to break camp with the big league club next spring. That raises a natural question: if Bichette comes aboard, who plays where?
Much of that would depend on Bichette’s willingness to shift positions, or Detroit’s willingness to move McGonigle around the infield early in his career. It’s not a bad problem to have - two high-end shortstops is a luxury most teams would take in a heartbeat - but it would require some planning and communication from the front office and coaching staff.
Still, the bigger question looms: will the Tigers actually pull the trigger on a contract north of $200 million?
That’s the kind of move that would send a message - not just to the fanbase, but to the rest of the league. It would say that Detroit is serious about competing now, not later. It would give the Tigers a proven star to build around, someone who could anchor the lineup and help guide a roster that still leans young in key spots.
There’s no denying Bichette would be a strong fit in Detroit, both on the field and in the clubhouse. But until ownership shows it’s ready to write that kind of check, Tigers fans are left waiting - again - to see if this winter will be different than the ones before it.