Alex Bregman is headed to the North Side - and he’s doing it in style. The veteran third baseman has agreed to a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, a move that not only reshapes the Cubs’ infield but also reopens a wound for Tigers fans still smarting from last offseason.
Let’s rewind for a second. Detroit made a serious push for Bregman a year ago, reportedly offering six years and $171.5 million.
But Bregman opted for a shorter-term deal with the Red Sox that included opt-outs, essentially betting on himself and the market. That gamble just paid off in a big way.
Now, Bregman’s decision to join the Cubs - after turning down Detroit and spending a year in Boston - all but cements his status as public enemy No. 1 in the Motor City. And he hasn’t exactly been subtle about embracing his new home.
He’s been spotted at Blackhawks and Bulls games and plans to catch the Bears in the playoffs. It’s clear he’s leaning all the way into Chicago life.
From a business standpoint, Bregman’s path makes sense. He had a solid year in Boston, slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 homers and 62 RBI.
That kind of production from the hot corner still plays - and the Cubs clearly believe there’s more where that came from. But the question now becomes: how long can he maintain that level into his mid-30s?
That’s where the Tigers may have the last laugh.
Detroit didn’t re-enter the Bregman sweepstakes this winter, and it’s easy to see why. After last year’s rejection, the front office likely wasn’t eager to go down that road again.
Instead, they’ve put their faith in 24-year-old Colt Keith, who quietly put together a promising 2025 campaign. Keith hit .256 with a .333 OBP and .413 slugging, adding 13 home runs and 45 RBI.
Not eye-popping numbers, but for a young player still finding his footing, it’s a solid foundation.
If Keith continues to develop and even comes close to matching Bregman’s production over the next few seasons - and does it at a fraction of the cost - Detroit’s decision will look more like strategy than frugality.
There’s no denying Bregman brings star power and postseason experience to Wrigley. He’s a proven bat, a clubhouse presence, and a player who knows how to handle the spotlight. But the Cubs are paying top dollar for those intangibles, and that kind of investment always comes with risk.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are taking the long view. They’ve got a young, controllable third baseman who’s already shown he can hang at the big-league level. If Keith takes the next step, Detroit won’t just be fine - they might be sitting pretty.
So while Bregman soaks up the Chicago spotlight, the Tigers will keep building quietly - and confidently - around their own guy at third.