The Detroit Tigers are in the middle of a very rough patch of their season, as they were swept by the Cleveland Guardians, and their AL Central lead is now down to just 3.5 games. But, they’re still a strong team, and should pull through.
However, the Tigers are sorely missing some major offensive firepower to help their cause this season. After the 2025 season comes to a close, the Tigers will be looking to make some upgrades this offseason.
Zach Pressnell of Sports Illustrated predicted that the Tigers could go after one free agent this winter to bolster their struggling offense. That player is one the Tigers have been linked to before, but one they couldn’t land this past offseason, or at the trade deadline.
Tigers predicted to sign $120 million third baseman in free agency
Pressnell predicts that the Tigers will go after Alex Bregman, the $120 million third baseman of the Boston Red Sox. Bregman has an opt-out after 2025, which he’s expected to take. Becoming a free agent, Bregman will have plenty of suitors, but none make more sense than the Tigers.
“The Tigers have reportedly been interested in Bregman every step of the way,” Pressnell writes, “… With the opportunity to land him on the open market like to emerge again, the Tigers could be doubly aggressive in pursuing the star infielder.”
Detroit not only has a roster spot for him, but it also needs a great hitter in their lineup. With a lot of their star hitters having weak second halves, the Tigers would’ve benefited immensely from having a player like Bregman on the roster.
They didn’t land him last offseason, but this offseason, the Tigers should be aggressively pursuing the Red Sox and former Houston Astros third baseman.
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Bregman might also be interested in Detroit, since A.J. Hinch was his manager for some of their time with the Astros. While the contract will be huge, with the young prospects coming up through the farm system, the Tigers can make it work.
Bregman in the lineup, who’s having a strong year in 2025, would be a huge help for Detroit. He’s hitting .273 with an .821 OPS in 107 games played this season. He’s missed some time, but Bregman is still more than worth the $120 million deal he’s on now.
Part of the issue for Detroit will be paying Bregman more than that $120 million over three seasons. His new deal, after he’s expected to opt out of his current one, will have to be for more than $40 million per year.
It’s a steep price to pay, but the Tigers should strongly consider it, and they should aggressively pursue Bregman as Pressnell predicts. It’s a great fit, and he’s the perfect free agent target for the Tigers this winter.
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