Why the Tigers Should Reignite Their Pursuit of Alex Bregman This Offseason
A year later, the need still feels just as urgent - if not more so. The Detroit Tigers should be back in the mix for Alex Bregman. After a 2025 season that saw them falter late and ultimately fall short in the postseason, the case for adding a proven, high-contact, high-IQ bat like Bregman’s has only gotten stronger.
Detroit’s front office, led by Scott Harris, clearly saw the fit last offseason. They were serious players in the Bregman sweepstakes, and for a stretch in January and early February, it looked like a deal was nearly done.
Sources even indicated Bregman had started early house-hunting in metro Detroit. But the two sides couldn’t quite close the gap - roughly $15 million over six years, plus some disagreement over opt-out timing - and Bregman ended up in Boston.
Still, that pursuit told us a lot. The Tigers were willing to commit $171.5 million and surrender a draft pick to bring Bregman to town.
That’s not just interest - that’s a signal. A signal they saw Bregman as a long-term cornerstone, and that they were ready to spend to accelerate this rebuild.
And now? The opportunity may be even better.
Bregman’s 2025: Still That Guy
Yes, Bregman missed time in 2025 with a quad injury, but when he was on the field, he was exactly what you’d expect: productive, dependable, and impactful. He hit.
He defended. And maybe just as importantly, he stepped into a clubhouse that had lost Rafael Devers and helped guide a young Red Sox core through a transition year.
That kind of leadership - paired with his elite pitch recognition and contact skills - is exactly what Detroit’s lineup needs. The Tigers have some exciting young bats, including lefty Kevin McGonigle, who looks like he’ll be a fixture in the lineup for years.
But they also have a swing-and-miss problem. Bregman, with his disciplined approach and ability to grind out at-bats, would be the perfect counterbalance in the middle of the order.
Put Bregman and McGonigle between the power bats, and suddenly the Tigers’ offense looks a lot more balanced - and a lot more dangerous.
Age, Cost, and the Draft Pick That Isn’t
Bregman is heading into his age-32 season. That’s not young, but it’s not a red flag either - especially for a player with his track record, work ethic, and relatively clean injury history.
If not for the quad issue, he was on pace for a 5-6 WAR season in 2025. That’s star-level production.
And unlike last year, signing Bregman this winter won’t cost the Tigers a draft pick. The Astros extended him a qualifying offer before he hit free agency last year, which meant Detroit would’ve had to give up their second-round pick to sign him.
That pick turned into right-hander Malachi Witherspoon. This time around, no such penalty exists.
That’s a huge plus for a front office that’s made it clear they want to build through the draft.
So let’s recap: Bregman is still a top-tier third baseman. He’s a fit for the clubhouse.
He’s a fit for the lineup. He’s no longer attached to draft pick compensation.
And he might even come at a slightly lower price point than last offseason.
The Money and the Moment
The Tigers’ payroll currently sits around $145 million. Adding Bregman would likely push that to the $175-180 million range - not a small jump, but not out of bounds either. After all, they were willing to go there last year.
And looking ahead, there’s room to breathe. Tarik Skubal is entering his final year of team control, and unless something unexpected happens, his salary comes off the books after 2026.
Javier Báez’s $24 million deal expires a year later. Jack Flaherty and Gleyber Torres are also on short-term deals, freeing up another $47 million after next season.
In other words, the Tigers could make a move now, stretch the payroll for one season, and still have flexibility long-term. That’s a rare window - and one that aligns perfectly with Skubal’s final year under team control. If you’re serious about winning while your ace is still in town, now’s the time to go all-in.
The Red Sox Factor and the Market
Boston wants Bregman back. That much is clear.
They’ve got the resources, the momentum, and the familiarity after a season together. But if Bregman was fully committed to returning, a deal might already be done.
Instead, the Red Sox are keeping their options open, reportedly eyeing names like Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, J.T. Realmuto, and Kazuma Okamoto.
That leaves the door cracked open for Detroit - but it won’t stay that way for long. The Mariners, Cubs, and other teams are expected to be in the mix. Unlike last offseason, when it was largely a two-horse race between Boston and Detroit, this winter could get crowded.
That makes it even more important for the Tigers to act decisively. They had a real shot last year. This time, they’ll need to be even more aggressive to land their guy.
Why Bregman Still Makes Perfect Sense
In every way, Bregman still checks all the boxes for Detroit. He’s a high-contact, high-IQ hitter who would immediately elevate the offense.
He’s a strong defender at a position where the Tigers have struggled. He brings playoff experience, championship pedigree, and a competitive edge that this young roster could feed off of.
And he’s shown a willingness to come to Detroit - something that’s not always a given for marquee free agents.
The Tigers aren’t a traditional free-agent destination. So when a player of Bregman’s caliber not only fits your roster but is open to signing, that’s a rare opportunity. One that doesn’t come around often.
The Winter Meetings are right around the corner. If the Tigers are serious about contending - not just in the long-term, but right now - this is the kind of move that signals it.
The kind of move that says, *We’re ready. *
Alex Bregman is still the right player. The question is, will the Tigers finally make the right move?