The Detroit Tigers remain active in the pursuit of Alex Bregman despite securing reliever Tommy Kahnle with a one-year $7.75 million contract. The team is focusing on strengthening their bullpen while also seeking a hitter to improve their lineup. Meanwhile, any delay in contract negotiations between Bregman and the Houston Astros raises uncertainties about their future making him an attractive option, for teams aiming to enhance their third-base position

Meanwhile, Bregman’s future with the Houston Astros remains in limbo after he rejected a six-year, $156 million extension offer last November. That deal would have paid him an average of $26 million per season, a reduction from his $28.5 million salary in 2024. Given his age-30 and value at third base, Bregman is expected to command a much larger deal in free agency.

The AL Central: A Wide-Open opportunity for Alex Bregman

Bleacher Report posted a video on YouTube in which MLB insider Jon Heyman talked live about Alex Bregman’s market, especially the Detroit Tigers being still in his free agency mix. He said, “Tigers they did sign Tommy Kinley or agree to deal with Tommy Kinley today 7.75 million for the one-year deal have they moved on? I kind of doubt that prevents a Bregman deal.”

Even Jose Altuve, one of the franchise faces, recently signed a contract extension worth $125 million for only five years. Although the Astros would like to retain Alex Bregman’s services, their management has been cautious about offering high-value deals to players above 30 years old. Despite his impressive track record as a two-time All-Star and World Series champion and a dependable third baseman in baseball. During the 2023s playoffs, he displayed a 4.9 WAR, and hit 25 home runs, with a.363 on-base percentage indicating his production even in what many viewed as a less successful period.

However, the Tigers might find themselves fitting as they aim to speed up their rebuilding process. Although Kahnle’s arrival bolsters their bullpen, it fails to tackle the gap for a hitter in the heart of their lineup. 2024’s performance placed Detroit at 22nd in runs scored and they haven’t seen an All-Star third baseman in a decade since Miguel Cabrera held the spot.

If the Astros are unwilling to meet Alex Bregman’s asking price, Detroit could look to strike early via trade rather than waiting for free agency. Houston risks losing him for nothing next winter, and the Tigers have prospects and controllable talent that could appeal to the Astros in a midseason deal. Scott Harris, Detroit’s president of baseball operations, has been patient this offseason, but an opportunity to acquire Bregman could change that approach.

Why Detroit makes sense as a destination

Detroit presents a compelling option for Alex Bregman due to how he would fit in with the team and the potential for long-term success. The Tigers have struggled to find a standout hitter at base with several players coming and going. Although Colt Keith and Matt Vierling show potential as talents on the teams’ roster neither of them possesses the same mix of power-hitting ability, discipline at the plate, and experience, in postseason play that Bregman brings to the table. Given Javier Báezs struggles and Spencer Torkelsons ongoing development phase in hitting skills; Alex Bregman would step in as Detroit’s best right-handed batter offering reliability and guidance to a youthful batting order.

Financially speaking the Tigers are in a position to make a serious hit. With the recent shedding of some contracts like Miguel Cabrera’s $32 million salary no longer being a factor, they have the freedom to sign a long-term agreement. Detroit has also been methodical in its rebuild under Scott Harris, prioritizing sustainable success. Signing or trading for Bregman would accelerate that timeline, giving the Tigers a proven star as they look to return to contention in a relatively weak AL Central.

In essence, with Alex Bregman’s future in Houston uncertain, Detroit remains a viable destination. Whether through a trade deadline move or a free-agent signing next winter, the Tigers have every reason to stay in the hunt for one of baseball’s best third basemen.