The Detroit Tigers were in the market for a new third baseman the last year or so, which featured an effort to sign Alex Bregman to a free-agent deal.
Their offer last offseason was a serious one, close to the $175 million, five-year deal he signed this winter with the Chicago Cubs. So it wouldn't be a surprise if they were still in the market for Bregman this winter.
But according to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press, the Tigers made a baffling decision on Bregman this winter. Instead of being involved in the market like they were a year ago, they weren't involved at all this offseason.
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Tigers made baffling Alex Bregman decision in free agency
"This baseman Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs in MLB free agency," Petzold writes. "This time, the Detroit Tigers didn't even try to land him."
Despite having a clear need at third base and their effort to sign him last offseason, the Tigers weren't involved in his market this winter.
Petzold's report reveals that the Tigers' front office, led by Scott Harris, never got involved with Bregman this winter. They didn't have contract talks with a player who would've been a perfect addition to their lineup.
While the Tigers could use Bregman, they didn't get involved and seem inclined to stick with Zack McKinstry as one of the main third base options in 2026.
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This is a baffling decision, as the Tigers could've greatly benefited from adding Bregman. He would've been an upgrade and a veteran presence this team needs.
What makes this even more confounding is that the Tigers had interest last offseason and easily could've been interested this winter, as not much changed with the third base spot on the roster.
But the Tigers weren't involved, letting Bregman go to the Cubs uncontested. And even if he re-signed with the Boston Red Sox, the Tigers were seemingly never a potential landing spot for the All-Star corner infielder.
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