The Detroit Tigers were in the market for third base help at the 2025 trade deadline, but didn't end up swinging such a deal. While Eugenio Suarez and Ryan McMahon were dealt, the Tigers' top option didn't end up getting traded.
That top option is Boston Red Sox All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. Detroit didn't have a chance to land him as the Red Sox are contenders, but in the offseason, it might be a different story.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic ranked the top free agents after the 2025 season, and Bregman was third overall. He's under contract through the next two years, but can opt out of his player option. If he hits the open market, there will be a lot of suitors, and Bowden named the Tigers among his best fits.
"It appears Boston would be his first choice in free agency," Bowden writes, "but he is an obvious fit with several other contending teams, including the Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, Dodgers, Mariners, and even Mets."
Bregman is 31 years old, and so far in 2025, he has a 153 OPS+ and is one of the top hitters in baseball despite missing some time. The three-time All-Star and two-time World Series Champion will be highly sought after in the open market.
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While Detroit will face some tough competition in its efforts to land Bregman, with a young ascending team, a veteran like Bregman would be an incredible pickup for the next few seasons as the Tigers look to be top contenders in the AL.
But the contract will be expensive. He's likely turning down a $40 million option for 2026, meaning the Tigers will likely have to either sign him for a long-term deal or offer more than $40 million per season over a shorter duration.
This season, Bregman has a .921 OPS, which is the highest of his career since 2019, when he was the MVP runner-up and had a single-season career high 8.9 WAR.
Bowden linking the Tigers to Bregman as a free agent destination isn't surprising, as when trade rumors were flying around in June regarding Bregman, Detroit was one of the top teams that could land the superstar third baseman.
If the Tigers do end up landing Bregman, it'd be a huge boost to the offense and add an incredible veteran to a young roster. Free agency has'nt hit yet, but Bowden linking the Tigers to Bregman is something to monitor, as the fit makes a ton of sense, and would be a perfect offseason signing for Scott Harris and the Tigers to make.
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