Detroit Tigers Ace Wants This Free Agent Superstar in Iconic Gothic 'D'

The Detroit Tigers are interested in adding this free-agent All-Star slugger and Detroit's ace hopes the feeling is mutual.
Oct 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third base Alex Bregman (2) runs after hitting a single against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park.
Oct 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros third base Alex Bregman (2) runs after hitting a single against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning of game two of the Wildcard round for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Minute Maid Park. / Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
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Alex Bregman is a wanted man — by the Detroit Tigers that is.

Tigers ace and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal was putting the full-court press on Bregman at the Baseball Writers Association of America awards dinner in New York.

The story was first published by the Detroit Free Press.

There are five teams in the mix for Bregman, according to the Free Press, and the Tigers remain in the hunt.

"He would look really good (with the Tigers)," Skubal said Saturday evening on the "Foul Territory" show. "I am sure he wants it. We got the connections."

Skubal and Bregman are both represented by the same agent, Scott Boras. Skubal also brought up the fact Bregman has relationships with Tigers manager A.J. Hinch and bullpen catcher Chris Chinea. Hinch was the manager of the Houston Astros when Bregman was first called up to the Majors.

ESPN writer Bradford Doolittle thinks Bregman will eventually end up with the Tigers due to his fit in the infield, his ability to maintain a locker room presence and his connection with Hinch.

"He could start at any of the infield spots, and Detroit could move players around (Gleyber) Torres to make a number of configurations work," Doolittle wrote. "Bregman would be the perfect veteran presence for a young team at the outset of a new window of winning. His history with manager A.J. Hinch gives him a comfort zone."

Meanwhile, fellow ESPN writer David Schoenfeld believes the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers are in the lead to acquire Bregman's services. He fits in with their roster over the long haul, and Magic Johnson and company are not afraid to spend money. When it comes to money, Boras tends to gravitate where he can find the most.

"Why should the Dodgers stop now?" Shoenfield wrote. "If Bregman can't find the big deal he wants, the Dodgers might be a surprise fit. Max Muncy is a free agent after 2025 and prone to strikeouts. Hyeseong Kim's bat projects as more of a utility infielder than a starting second baseman. Bregman can shift between second and third in 2025 and then replace Muncy in 2026."

The former LSU star has emerged as one of the most consistent power-hitting third basemen in baseball since he arrived in the Majors in 2016 as a 22-year-old.  He has a lifetime slash line of .272/.366/.483/.848 with 191 home runs and 663 RBI. He has 162-game averages of 28 home runs and 97 RBI and has a lifetime WAR (wins above replacement) of 39.6, per baseball-reference.


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Scott Salomon
SCOTT SALOMON

Scott Salomon joined On SI in April 2024 covering breaking news and analysis for Miami Dolphins On SI. Scott also does the same for the New York Giants On SI and Miami Hurricanes On SI. Scott is based in South Florida and has been covering local and national sports for over 35 years. Scott has been credentialed for the Super Bowl, the NFL Combine, various Orange Bowls and other college football championship bowl games. Scott was also credentialed for the NBA All-Star game and covered the Miami Heat during their first six seasons for USA TODAY. Scott is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Communication and the St. Thomas University School of Law.