With two weeks until position players report to spring training, the clock is ticking on what could be a game-chaning move for the Detroit Tigers. After their surprising postseason appearance last year, the Tigers are aiming to take the next step in 2025. Even after securing their biggest offseason acquisition on Sunday, when they agreed to terms with right-hander Jack Flaherty on a two-year, $35 million deal, the team isn’t done yet. Flaherty’s contract is the Tigers’ priciest signing of the offseason, far outpacing the $15 million deals they struck with infielder Gleyber Torres and starting pitcher Alex Cobb. But despite these moves, the club remains focused on an even bigger free-agent.
After signing Jack Flaherty and augmenting their rotation, the Tigers are one of the teams pursuing Alex Bregman.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 3, 2025
Could Alex Bregman Follow Jack Flaherty to Detroit?
According to Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Bregman is receiving interest from five teams. Jon Heyman of the New York Post mentioned the Tigers—along with the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, and Boston Red Sox—as being among the clubs in the running for the two-time All-Star.
Bregman would fill a need for the Tigers, who finished 22nd in fWAR at third base in 2024 (0.9) and are projected to be below average at third this season. Joining Detroit would also reunite Bregman with manager A.J. Hinch, who was the skipper for four seasons with Houston. However, Detroit may have to top the six-year, $156 million offer the Astros made to Bregman early in the offseason—an offer that has remained on the table.
Tigers Focus Their Offseason Strategy on Bregman, Pass on Other Targets
Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press indicates that the Tigers offseason strategy is their pursuit of Bregman. Led by president of baseball operations Scott Harris—have structured their offseason moves around the third baseman, opting to upgrade their offense with other notable right-handed hitters.
Detroit showed interest in several free agents, but ultimately said no to, including outfielder Anthony Santander (five-year, $92.5 million with the Toronto Blue Jays; first baseman Christian Walker (three-year, $60 million contract with Houston); and infielder Ha-Seong Kim, who joined the Tampa Bay Rays on a two-year, $29 million deal.
Bregman Could Be the Final Piece to Complete Tigers’ Roster
The Tigers have made significant moves this offseason, signing four free agents: Jack Flaherty (two years, $35 million), Alex Cobb (one year, $15 million), Gleyber Torres (one year, $15 million), and Tommy Kahnle (one year, $7.75 million). These signings have boosted Detroit’s payroll by more than $60 milliom, with Flaherty set to earn $25 million in 2025. The projected payroll now sits around $140 million, sitting outside the top 15 among MLB teams.
With Bregman possibly in the mix, especially with a six-year commitment valued at an additional $25-$30 million annually, would further elevate the payroll. This move would also address a critical imbalance in the Tigers lineup, which has an excess of left-handed hitters. Harris previously identified this as a key issue following Detroit’s postseason exit at the hands of the Cleveland Guardians.
The signing of Torres—a right-handed hitting second baseman—was the first step in solving this problem, as the Tigers shifted left-handed hitter Colt Keith to first base, replacing right-handed hitter Spencer Torkelson. However, the lineup still lacks balance.
Bregman would be the final piece, solving the left-right imbalance and completing the Tigers offseason overhaul. With upgrades already made to the lineup, rotation and bullpen, signing Bregman would further the Tigers opportunity from AL Central favorites to becoming more serious contenders in 2025.
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