The Detroit Tigers are certainly thinking about the here and now as the American League Central race is starting to heat up with just a month and a half left in the season. Detroit is 70-52 and eyes on a deep playoff run.
However, it is never too early to think about the offseason and how to benefit a roster, which, for the Tigers, could certainly use some power bats on the left side of the field. Detroit was linked with many huge free agent names last offseason, but could never get them to sign, and that might be the front office’s sign to be a little more aggressive and open to opening up the checkbook.
Tigers Predicted to Inquire about Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette
Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman will headline the hot stove market as two highly-touted players this winter. Bregman is expected to opt out of his current deal at the end of the season, hoping to gain a more lucrative contract. The Toronto Blue Jays‘ shortstop will be entering free agency, and by the way he’s been performing this season, he’ll be due for a contract north of $150 million.
Bo Bichette is hitting .298 this season, leads MLB in hits, and has an OPS+ of 124. Bichette knows this is a contract year, because after a -0.3 bWAR season in 2024, his bWAR is 2.6 and climbing this season.
The Athletic’s Cody Stavenhagen expects the Detroit Tigers to be firmly in the mix for both stars:
“If Bregman were to opt out of his Red Sox deal, he would certainly again be a player who checks a lot of boxes for the Tigers. So, too, would Bo Bichette â whose ability to play shortstop (even if itâs at a below-average grade) might make him an even better fit,” Stavenhagen wrote. “Bregman has been great when healthy this season. But in addition to last yearâs drama, itâs worth remembering he will be a year older. Are the Tigers willing to offer as much as they did last winter?”
How Do Both Guys Fit in With Detroit?
The Detroit Tigers have had trouble finding steady offense on the left side of the infield this season. It’s been a mix of Colt Keith, Zack McKinstry, and Trey Sweeney. McKinstry earned All-Star honors this season but hasnât been a needle mover.
For Alex Bregman, the reports say that he is willing to return to the Boston Red Sox, but as a Scott Boras client, Boras likes to get his players the best possible return for their worth. If the Tigers are willing to take a big swing at Bregman and offer him something he can’t refuse, Detroit would be a strong contender for seasons to come. Bo Bichette is also going to be costly, and although his defense is about average, he supplements that by getting on base at a .340 clip, and he’s just 27 years old.
Tigers fans should keep an eye on both names as hot stove season approaches quickly after the season concludes.
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