Tigers Linked to Mariners Playoff Star to Replace Gleyber Torres

If the Detroit Tigers want to make a splash this winter, it’s obvious that Alex Bregman would have to be that guy. Bregman has proven over the past few years to be one of the best players in Major League Baseball, but as evident from last year, the Tigers aren’t always willing to hand out as big a deal as they need to in order to land some of the top players in baseball. 

How Will the Tigers Improve Their Squad?

Searching for other ways to potentially improve, the Detroit Tigers were linked to an intriguing candidate who might help them significantly. The latest to suggest the team sign Jorge Polanco was Curt Bishop of Sports Illustrated, who noted that his ability to switch hit and play in big moments could be a nice addition to this up-and-coming Tigers team. 

“The Detroit Tigers are on the rise and looking to take the next step after their postseason run, but they could have a major hole to fill at second base. With Gleyber Torres entering free agency, Detroit needs a reliable middle infielder who can provide pop from both sides of the plate — and Polanco fits that description perfectly.

“Polanco’s ability to switch-hit and deliver in clutch moments would make him a great addition to a Tigers lineup that still lacks consistent power. In fact, Detroit fans will remember that Polanco delivered the walk-off hit that ended the Tigers’ 2025 season in the ALDS. Signing him this winter would be a bit of poetic justice — and a major lineup boost,” he wrote.

What Will the Tigers Do This Offseason?

The Detroit Tigers had a tough season to evaluate in some sense. On the one hand, it was evident that this team was very good. However, after a major disappointment in the second half of the year, it’s also fair to suggest that the Tigers might not be as good as everybody thought they were. 

If the front office wants to go out and prove that they’re as serious about winning as they need to be, someone like Bregman would make a lot more sense. 

However, when examining potential options for Polanco, Clay Snowden of Just Baseball brought up the idea that the Detroit front office will have to show that they’re willing to pay money to players like Bregman and others who are worth a lot more than what they’ve been willing to give out, so players like Polanco are likely better options for them. 

“Another AL Central team that has a need for a veteran bat. With Gleyber Torres likely hitting the market, the Tigers have a need at either second or third. Top prospect Kevin McGongile might be the answer at second base, leaving a spot at third open for Polanco.

“The Tigers were in on Alex Bregman last winter and might be back in on his sweepstakes this winter. Until the Tigers show me they are willing to meet demands for top free agents, I will continue to put second tier options in their projections. Missing out on Bregman would not be ideal, but Polanco as a replacement isn’t the worst case scenario,” Snowden wrote.

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