The Alex Bregman talks seem to be at a stalemate, but that’s no surprise.
MLB spring training 2025 does not start for another month and Opening Day is not until late March.
The two top contenders for Bregman have narrowed to the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers, though a handful of other teams could rejoin the mix. We know there is interest from both the Tigers and Bregman, but salary negotiations have yet to yield a compromise. We’re here to keep you updated on the rumors with reporting from trusted MLB newsbreakers.
So, who will Bregman sign with and when? Here are the latest updates and rumors as we follow Bregman’s free agency. And check out the latest episode of our Tigers podcast, “Days of Roar,” which spoke to an insider to learn more about Bregman. Follow the Detroit Free Press’ Tigers beat writer/podcaster Evan Petzold for updates on the Tigers all year long: @EvanPetzold on X.
INSIDER:How, when, where will Tigers target Alex Bregman sign? Breaking down possibilities
Jan. 8: Red Sox and Tigers both want Alex Bregman ‘badly’
The Alex Bregman sweepstakes could come down to the Tigers and Red Sox, and both have had meetings with him.
“I do think that the Red Sox and the Tigers are the most likely landing spots for Bregman,” longtime MLB insider Jon Heyman said Wednesday. “They both had meetings with Bregman and, to me, they make sense. The people who’ve coached and managed Bregman, they absolutely love him. You have Alex Cora with Boston, you have A.J. Hinch with Detroit. They both want him badly.”
Jan. 6: Red Sox might land Nolan Arenado instead of Alex Bregman
The Red Sox are contenders for St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. And the 33-year-old 10-time Gold Glove winner is willing to waive his no-trade clause, according to an MLB.com report Monday.
This would be big news because if it happens because it would remove Boston from the Bregman market, leaving the Tigers as the top team remaining.
“The Red Sox have emerged as a strong candidate to land Arenado via a trade from the Cardinals, a source told MLB.com in recent days,” John Denton wrote. “Boston could be close to pulling out of the sweepstakes for free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, who could potentially command a deal worth $200 million, per the source.”
Arenado commands $74 million over the next three seasons.
Which teams could Alex Bregman sign with?
The Red Sox, who went 81-81 last season for their straight without a winning record, have the spending power and incentive to make Bregman a top offer. His right-handed bat would play well with the Green Monster in left field. Manager Alex Cora was the Astros bench coach in 2017, so Boston has familiarity with Bregman, who turns 31 on March 30.
But not as much knowledge of Bregman as the Tigers should have. The Tigers hold intimate background on Bregman — and have a glaring need at third base — thanks to manager A.J. Hinch, Bregman’s former boss in Houston. The two spent four years together (2016-19) with Hinch as manager, winning one World Series.
One factor going against the Tigers: Detroit’s Comerica Park is not as hitter-friendly as Fenway Park.
Other teams to watch on Bregman include the Toronto Blue Jays, Seattle Mariners, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.
Should the Tigers sign Alex Bregman?
The Tigers lack a right-handed hitter to boost what is a left-handed heavy lineup centered around right fielder Riley Greene, designated hitter Kerry Carpenter and center fielder Parker Meadows. The Tigers could also use an experienced and respected leader such as Bregman.
Yes, they signed Gleyber Torres to play second base on a one-year deal and moved Colt Keith from second base to first base, taking Spencer Torkelson out of the lineup.
Matt Vierling, a longtime outfielder, is the current starting third baseman. The Tigers also have a young prospect in Jace Jung, but do not trust his defense at third base.
MOVE IT:Tigers need to spend big because money is more reliable than magic
[ MUST LISTEN: Astros broadcaster Robert Ford joined this week’s show to provide insight on Alex Bregman. Make “Days of Roar” your go-to Tigers podcast, available anywhere you listen (Apple, Spotify) ]
Alex Bregman salary and contract
Bregman made $30.5 million each of the past two years on his previous contract that expired after the 2024 season. He has been seeking a new seven-year, $200 million contract since the beginning of the offseason. The Tigers haven’t been willing to pay that.
Bregman turned down a six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros early in the offseason. Houston then moved on by trading for Isaac Paredes and signing first baseman Christian Walker.
Alex Bregman stats
Bregman is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion (2019, 2022). Here are his past three seasonal statistics via Baseball Reference:
- 2024: 145 GP, 634 PAs, .260 BA, .315 OBP, .453 SLG, 26 HRs, 75 RBIs, 30 2Bs, 44 BBs, 86 Ks, 4.1 WAR, Gold Glove.
- 2023: 161 GP, 724 PAs, .262 BA, .363 OBP, .441 SLG, 25 HRs, 98 RBIs, 28 2Bs, 92 BBs, 87 Ks, 4.9 WAR.
- 2022: 155 GP, 656 PAs, .259 BA, .366 OBP, .454 SLG, 23 HRs, 93 RBIs, 38 2Bs, 87 BBs, 77 Ks, 4.6 WAR.
Who have the Tigers signed this offseason?
The Tigers have committed significant money to two players in 2024-25 free agency:
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