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Alex Bregman watch: Detroit Tigers still in mix despite signing Jack Flaherty
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- Alex Bregman watch: Detroit Tigers still in mix despite signing Jack Flaherty
The window is open for the Detroit Tigers to make a run for the World Series while reigning Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal remains under contract for the next two seasons, but free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman could be the final piece of the puzzle.
Bregman is one of the best players in baseball.
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The Tigers are still interested in Bregman after signing right-hander Jack Flaherty to a two-year, $35 million contract , the Free Press confirmed with a source with knowledge of the situation after ESPN's Buster Olney first reported the Tigers' continued interest .
Adding Bregman — a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion — will cement the Tigers as the favorites to win the American League Central in 2025, as well as put them in contention to win the World Series.
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Houston Astros third base Alex Bregman hits a single against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning of game two of the wild-card round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park Oct. 1, 2024 in Houston.
The Tigers — led by president of baseball operations Scott Harris — have conducted their offseason moves around their interest in signing Bregman, as they declined to upgrade the offense with other notable right-handed hitters.
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For example, the Tigers showed interest in but passed on outfielder Anthony Santander , who eventually signed with the Toronto Blue Jays for five years and $92.5 million, first baseman Christian Walker , who eventually signed with the Houston Astros for three years and $60 million, and infielder Ha-Seong Kim , who eventually signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for two years and $29 million.
Meanwhile, the Tigers continue to be involved in the Bregman sweepstakes, along with the Astros, Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs . The only known offer is from the Astros, at six years and $156 million.
Any other offers have not been disclosed.
THE LATEST: Tigers, Alex Bregman negotiations at standstill as spring training nears
Tigers pitcher Jack Flaherty throws during the first inning against the Rangers on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in Arlington, Texas.
As for the Tigers, the starting rotation is set with Flaherty, Skubal, Alex Cobb , Jackson Jobe and Reese Olson . The bullpen has five relievers locked in: Beau Brieske , Jason Foley , Tyler Holton , Tommy Kahnle and Will Vest . The lineup features five consistent contributors: Kerry Carpenter , Riley Greene , Colt Keith , Parker Meadows and Gleyber Torres .
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The only thing missing is Bregman.
The Tigers have signed four free agents this offseason: Flaherty for two years and $35 million , Cobb for one year and $15 million , Torres for one year and $15 million and Kahnle for one year and $7.75 million .
The four signings increased the 2025 payroll by more than $60 million, with Flaherty making $25 million in 2025. The projected 2025 payroll is approximately $140 million, which ranks just outside of the top 15 among the 30 MLB teams. Signing Bregman to a six-year contract would add another $25-30 million in average annual value to the payroll.
TAKING A CHANCE: Gleyber Torres bets on himself with Tigers, keeping $100 million in mind
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Bregman, who turns 31 in late March, answers on-field and off-field needs for the Tigers.
The Tigers need a third baseman and a middle-of-the-order hitter and a championship leader; Bregman brings Gold Glove defense at third base and Silver Slugger offense at the plate and 99 games of playoff experience.
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Additionally, the Tigers have an excess of left-handed hitters in their lineup, which was mentioned by Harris as a problem to solve after the Tigers were slammed out of the postseason by the Cleveland Guardians in Game 5 of the ALDS.
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The Tigers signed Torres, a right-handed hitting second baseman, then moved left-handed hitter Keith to first base as the replacement for right-handed hitter Spencer Torkelson — in effect, making a righty-for-righty swap in the everyday lineup and leaving the Tigers with a lineup still out of balance.
Bregman solves that problem, too.
A DEEPER DIVE: Why free-agent Alex Bregman can help Tigers on the field, behind the scenes
The Tigers have already upgraded the lineup, rotation and bullpen for the 2025 season with their four signings in free agency. After Flaherty, signing Bregman would solidify the Tigers as World Series contenders, not just AL Central favorites.
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There are less than 15 days until position players report to spring training.
It's time for Bregman to sign.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold .
Listen to our weekly Tigers show "Days of Roar" every Monday afternoon on demand at freep.com, Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And catch all of our podcasts and daily voice briefing at freep.com/podcasts .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Tigers still want Alex Bregman after signing Jack Flaherty
