Detroit Tigers Continue Pursuit of Alex Bregman as Negotiations Stall
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly facing challenges in their pursuit of former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman. According to Evan Petzold of Moneyline, the Tigers maintain their interest in Bregman, but negotiations have reached a standstill with less than one month remaining before the first full-squad workout in spring training.
Bregman has declined the Astros' six-year offer valued at approximately $156 million, reportedly seeking a contract nearer to $200 million. Since rejecting the proposal from Houston, Bregman has attracted interest from multiple teams, including the Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays, as noted by Petzold. Despite some mutual interest between Bregman and the Tigers, Petzold highlighted a significant disparity in their perceived value of a deal. The Tigers are reportedly unwilling to meet Bregman's financial demands, while Bregman is hesitant to accept a short-term agreement.
Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, has indicated that there has been 'substantial interest' in securing a long-term deal for the player, emphasizing Bregman's credentials as a 'championship player.' The player's performance in 2024, where he posted a .260/.315/.453 slash line with 26 home runs and 75 RBI, underscores his status as one of the most coveted free agents remaining. As a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Bregman would represent a significant asset for the Tigers' infield, which has already seen the addition of Gleyber Torres this offseason. After returning to the postseason for the first time since 2024, the Tigers are poised for another competitive season, and the addition of Bregman could enhance their prospects as a contender for the World Series.