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Tigers manager AJ Hinch
This is going to be an interesting offseason for the Detroit Tigers. A lot of the discussion of what they do will surround starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is a big question. Will they trade him, or will they keep him?
The Winter Meetings begin in Orlando on Sunday, and there will likely be chatter surrounding the ace left-hander. Detroit was eliminated in the American League Division Series in five games by the Seattle Mariners. The 15-inning loss in the deciding game will leave a bad taste in their mouth all offseason.
Skubal is under contract for 2026, and with a team that is clearly a contender, adding some big pieces this winter is a must. They have been linked to San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King for rotation help. As far as position players go, the Tigers have also been linked to Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran in a potential trade. Detroit has also been linked to one of the top infield free agents and was predicted to poach him from an AL contender.
Detroit Tigers Predicted to Land Bo Bichette in Free Agency
Alex Bregman has been linked to the Tigers for a second straight year. He opted out of his deal with the Red Sox after one season. Detroit has a connection for Bregman with manager A.J. Hinch from their time together with the Houston Astros.
If they can’t get Bregman, Ryan Finkelstein of Just Baseball predicted the Tigers landing Bichette in free agency. One reason he picked Detroit was that he had Kyle Tucker going to the Toronto Blue Jays, and there wouldn’t be enough money to keep Bichette.
“While Bichette had a great season, and put together an incredible effort on one leg in the World Series, the run that led the Blue Jays to World Series would suggest that they don’t need to bring back Bo. This is not a knock on him, it is more just how their roster is constructed,” Finklestein wrote.
Bichette was having a great season until an injury in early September ended his regular season. In 139 games, he slashed .311/.357/.483 with 13 home runs and 94 RBIs before his injury. He had a three-run home run in Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers for an early 3-0 lead. The Dodgers rallied to win the game in 11 innings.
“Bo Bichette was very close to being an all-time World Series hero for the Blue Jays, hitting an early three-run homer in Game 7 that had Toronto in line to win it all. Now, the Blue Jays have to decide if that was Bichette’s last game played in their uniform,” added Finklestein.
Where Would Bichette Fit With the Tigers
Detroit has one of the top shortstop prospects in Kevin McGonigle. There is a very good chance he’s ready for Opening Day. That would require a position switch for Bichette to either second or third base. Hence, if Bichette agrees to a position switch, then it would be a no-brainer.
Bichette is predicted to get an eight-year, $208 million contract by Finkelstein. He is a proven winner and would be a giant addition to a contender’s locker room. This would be a move that would certainly make the Tigers a serious contender next season. In order to be, a move like this is needed by the front office.
Scott Roche Scott Roche covers college football, NFL, NBA and MLB for Heavy.com and has three decades of sports writing, covering everything from college to professional sports. More about Scott Roche
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