Despite leading the majors for the majority of the 2025 season, the Detroit Tigers collapsed in the second half to relinquish their lead in the American League Central. As a result, they snuck in the playoffs as a wild card team and won their first series before falling to the Mariners in a heartbreaking 15-inning Game 5, that saw Seattle advance with a 3-2 series victory.
Heading into the 2026 season, Detroit is determined to bolster their roster in order to make a much deeper playoff run. Apart from the reigning two-time Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal and outfielder Riley Greene, the Tigers don't have a ton of star power, especially in comparison to other contenders.
They could change that by signing Alex Bregman, the most sought after infielder in the 2025 free agent class. Having been one of three finalists for his services a year ago, MLB insider Jon Heyman reports that Detroit is interested in Bregman once more.
With that in mind, it will take a lot to persuade the two-time World Series champion, as he rejected a six-year offer from the club last year.
Last year with Boston, Bregman posted a.273 batting average as well as 18 home runs, 62 RBIs and 3.5 WAR. Additionally, Bregman was also named an All-Star, his first selection since the 2019 season.
Although Zach McKinstry spent nearly half of the season at third base last year, there's reason to believe the Tigers would upgrade at the position and move McKinstry back to a utility role, a role he's played well throughout his career.
That said, in order to bring him in, they'll likely have to outbid the Red Sox who seem intent on keeping him.
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