Red Sox broadcaster Will Flemming on Alex Bregman and Detroit Tigers
Boston Red Sox radio voice Will Flemming joins “Days of Roar” to discuss what the Detroit Tigers would get by signing third baseman Alex Bregman.
Four teams are chasing Alex Bregman in free agency.
The Detroit Tigers aren’t involved.
At least not yet.
The Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks have been active in the Bregman sweepstakes, but the Tigers haven’t shown any new movement, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Free Press on condition of anonymity because they’re not permitted to speak publicly. The interest from the Tigers remains lukewarm, just as it has all offseason, with eight weeks until the first game of spring training.
But don’t rule out the Tigers entirely.
The Tigers appear to be operating in wait-and-see mode as part of an opportunistic approach in free agency after already signing three pitchers to boost the bullpen: Kenley Jansen, Kyle Finnegan and Drew Anderson. If Bregman’s market collapses by mid-January, the Tigers could re-enter the mix by putting the only long-term offer on the table.
It’s unlikely, but here’s how it happens: The Blue Jays sign Kyle Tucker and re-sign Bo Bichette, the Red Sox trade for Isaac Paredes or Brendan Donovan, the Cubs stick with Matt Shaw or pivot to Eugenio Suárez, and the Diamondbacks refuse to trade Ketel Marte.
If all of that unfolds, where does Bregman find a long-term contract?
The Tigers could be his only option.
Bregman – represented by agent Scott Boras – is seeking a long-term deal after settling last offseason for a three-year, $120 million contract from the Red Sox, which included opt-outs after 2025 and 2026. At the time, the Red Sox, Tigers and Cubs were the three finalists, but Tigers stood apart as the only team offering long-term security: six years and $171.5 million with an opt-out after 2026. Bregman declined, choosing the shorter deal from the Red Sox that paid him the most money per year and allowed him to return to free agency as soon as possible.
In 2025, Bregman hit .273 with 18 home runs, 51 walks and 70 strikeouts across 114 games, making his third All-Star Game in his 10-year MLB career and appearing in the postseason for the ninth year in a row. The 31-year-old hit .309 with a .933 OPS in his first 83 games before struggling in his final 31 games. Not only is Bregman a middle-of-the-order hitter and an award-winning defender, but he’s also an elite leader.
It’s no surprise the Red Sox are prioritizing a reunion.
As for this offseason, two of the four interested teams – the Red Sox and Cubs – haven’t shown a willingness to offer a long-term contract, so if the Blue Jays and Diamondbacks bow out, the Tigers could be the lone team positioned to give Bregman what he wants.
That’s only if the Tigers’ interest escalates.
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If Bregman’s market doesn’t crash, or if the Tigers choose to not get involved regardless, Colt Keith – a 24-year-old left-handed hitter who still needs to develop into an All-Star-caliber player – projects as the Tigers’ primary third baseman in the 2026 season.
Third base is Keith’s clearest path to everyday playing time with Gleyber Torres at second base and Spencer Torkelson at first base. While Keith could shift to second base in the future since Torres is only under contract for one more season, his defensive home is limited to third base in 2026.
Everything changes if the Tigers sign Bregman.
It’s just too soon to think about that.
Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.
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