Alex Bregman Thought He Was Signing with the Tigers
The unusual story of Alex Bregman’s free agency took another twist as the star third baseman revealed he had expected to join the Detroit Tigers before the Boston Red Sox swooped in with a last-minute offer.
Speaking in an interview with Cameron Maybin, Bregman admitted that he and his agent, Scott Boras, believed Detroit was his destination throughout the offseason. However, when Boston made a new offer, the deal came together quickly, catching all parties off guard.
The Tigers’ Offseason Strategy
Detroit aggressively pursued Bregman but ultimately did not meet his asking price. Despite their strong interest, the team’s front office later made comments about only wanting players who genuinely wanted to be in Detroit—a statement that seemed ironic given their pursuit of the All-Star infielder.
Without Bregman, the Tigers relied on a backup plan featuring Jace Jung and Matt Vierling, but this approach fell apart. Jung struggled at the plate in spring training and was sent to minor league camp, while Vierling is still recovering from a rotator cuff strain.
Who Steps Up for the Tigers?
Detroit now plans to start the season with a Zack McKinstry-Andy Ibáñez platoon at third base. Javier Báez and Ryan Kreidler may also see time at the position. Meanwhile, Vierling is expected to return sometime in April, though his timeline isn’t guaranteed.
Trey Sweeney, a promising shortstop, could also see increased playing time. The Tigers are optimistic about his potential, especially if he improves his pitch selection at the plate.
Finding Solutions Before Opening Day
With Parker Meadows missing time in center field and uncertainty at third base, Detroit needs temporary solutions. The team hopes Spencer Torkelson and Justyn-Henry Malloy can provide offensive production to help compensate.
Despite missing out on Bregman, the Tigers still expect to be a stronger team than in 2024. Their pitching remains a strength, and if their core hitters—Riley Greene, Kerry Carpenter, Gleyber Torres, and Colt Keith—perform well, they should be able to stay competitive.
Detroit’s front office, led by Scott Harris, is exploring potential trades but has not found an ideal move yet. Until then, they may have to piece together a solution and reassess their options closer to the trade deadline.
