This offseason's free agency class is loaded with talent. It is headlined by the likes of Kyle Tucker, Pete Alonso, Framber Valdez, Kyle Schwarber, and Dylan Cease, among many others.
Two more of those soon-to-be free agents — Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman and Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette — are players the Detroit Tigers, specifically, could benefit from inquiring about this winter, according to The Athletic's Cody Stavenhagen.
"If Bregman were to opt out of his Red Sox deal, he would certainly again be a player who checks a lot of boxes for the Tigers. So, too, would Bo Bichette — whose ability to play shortstop (even if it’s at a below-average grade) might make him an even better fit," Stavenhagen wrote. "Bregman has been great when healthy this season. But in addition to last year’s drama, it’s worth remembering he will be a year older. Are the Tigers willing to offer as much as they did last winter?"
Both Bregman and Bichette have put up strong campaigns for their respective teams. Bregman — who spent the entirety of his MLB career with the Houston Astros before inking a three-year, $120 million deal (containing opt-outs after each season) in Boston this past February — has been hindered by injuries in 2025 but also put together a .299/.379/.542 slash line with 16 home runs, 50 RBIs and 47 runs scored in 76 games.
Bichette, meanwhile, is in the midst of a resurgent campaign in Toronto, hitting .296 with 16 home runs, 78 RBIs and an .804 OPS across 500 at-bats.
Signing either player would provide the Tigers with an upgrade in their infield, but Colt Keith, Kevin McGonigle and Gleyber Torres are all assets who could prove to be more cost-effective investments than a marquee free agent signing, Stavenhagen wrote.
"Keith has looked playable at third base. McGonigle and other infield prospects are coming. The Tigers have fared well with this year’s position group. And they could also consider a new deal with Torres," Stavenhagen wrote. "It wouldn’t be wise with the Tigers to rule out any player just based on how a previous negotiation went. At the very least, they should consider Bregman if he indeed becomes a free agent."