The Detroit Tigers have a few question marks moving forward, and they're tough to ignore in some sense.
The team needs a right-handed bat, an infielder, and much more over the next few months. However, if the Tigers' ownership isn't willing to open their pockets, they shouldn't expect much to change.
Some have indicated in the past that the Tigers could be interested in making a play for Bo Bichette. Unfortunately, when Bichette was struggling a few months ago, many thought that he'd be had for a cheap price. Fast forward a few months, and he's been one of the better hitters in Major League Baseball again, helping the Toronto Blue Jays to the top of the American League East standings.
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And according to MLB Trade Rumors, that could come with a $200 million price tag now. With Bichette's .298 average, 16 home runs, 78 RBIs, and .808 OPS, there's a very good chance the 27-year-old shortstop could be getting that type of money.
“He’s not the same type of defender as well-compensated shortstops Willy Adames (seven years, $182MM), Dansby Swanson (seven years, $177MM), Javier Baez (six years, $140MM) and Trevor Story (six years, $140MM). However, he’s hitting the market earlier than any of those players did — ahead of his age-28 season.
“That extra year of his prime should allow Bichette, who’ll reject a qualifying offer, to land in the range of those other recent top-tier shortstops in free agency. If he sustains his absurd summer production (or anything close to it), he could push for $200MM or more,” Steve Adams wrote.
The defense is certainly worrisome, as Adams touched on, but if Bichette can move to third, that might be even better for the Tigers long term.
It’s something the front office has to consider, but giving Bichette $200 million when they have to eventually pay Tarik Skubal, if that's the plan, isn't exactly easy to do for a team that hasn't been willing to spend.