The Detroit Tigers have a lot of moving parts, but it seems to suit them.
With a 36-20 record, the Tigers are still a game ahead of the New York Yankees atop the American League's overall standings. They've been buoyed this season by superstars and surprise role players alike, from Tarik Skubal to Javier Báez to Zach McKinstry.
One thing the Tigers have lacked, however, is a consistent presence at third base. At times, it's been Báez, McKinstry, Jace Jung, or Andy Ibañez. Frankly, it's the only spot the Tigers still don't seem to have solved.
In a perfect world, Detroit would have signed Alex Bregman, who was off to a phenomenal start with his new team, the Boston Red Sox, prior to a recent quad injury. But instead, one Tigers writer is lobbying for his team to grab another high-profile AL East star.
In a recent article, Nick Ziegler of Tigers on SI urged the Tigers to sign Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, a two-time AL All-Star whose $33 million arbitration extension ends this winter, to be the long-term solution at third base.
"If Bichette is willing to make the shift to third base, he could be a strong option for Detroit this coming winter. While Bregman will likely be a free agent once again, that price tag is likely going to be higher if he continues to perform at the high level he is so far," Ziegler wrote.
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"If Bichette continues to prove 2024 was just a fluke, and would be willing to switch to third base, he could be a logical long-term option."
Bichette, 27, has gone hitless in his last four games and seen his season OPS drop to .706. Still, he's had strong stretches this season that have given the Blue Jays (and potential suitors) reason to believe that better days are ahead.
This plan obviously would have to wait until after the season, barring a surprise trade, but Bichette could indeed be a long-term third baseman, be it in Detroit or elsewhere.
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