Bregman’s Free Agency Stalemate Leaves Tigers, Others in Limbo

DETROIT, Mich. — With spring training just weeks away, Alex Bregman remains unsigned, leaving teams like the Detroit Tigers in a holding pattern. The two-time All-Star and World Series champion is the top free agent still on the market, but negotiations have stalled, creating a ripple effect across Major League Baseball.

The Tigers, who have been linked to Bregman throughout the offseason, reportedly hit a standstill in talks. Houston initially offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million extension, but the third baseman sought a deal closer to $200 million. When the Astros walked away, they pivoted to other moves, including acquiring Isaac Paredes from the Cubs and signing Christian Walker to play first base.

“I think likely,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said recently when asked if the team’s third baseman is already in the organization. “Certainly, we’ll look to supplement. Infield is an area we’re focused on (for the bench), but I think the likelihood is yes.”

Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, has a history of securing late deals for his clients, but the market for the 30-year-old infielder has been sluggish. Teams like the Tigers, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Mariners have shown interest but have yet to make significant progress. Detroit, in particular, has the payroll flexibility and a need at third base, where prospects like Colt Keith and Ryan Kreidler remain unproven.

“The Tigers’ window of contention is just opening after the club made a surprising run to the playoffs in 2024,” wrote Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com. “With reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal under team control for only two more seasons, Detroit cannot afford to be complacent.”

Bregman, who slashed .275/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and a 4.1 WAR in 2024, would provide a significant offensive boost for the Tigers. However, Detroit has been cautious, avoiding another long-term contract reminiscent of Javier Báez’s $140 million deal, which has underperformed.

Meanwhile, other teams are also waiting for Bregman’s situation to resolve. The Mariners, for example, are reportedly holding off on making a notable move until Bregman signs, as his decision could impact the availability of other players like Matt Chapman or Nolan Arenado.

As the offseason drags on, Bregman’s free agency has become a staring contest between teams and Boras. With spring training approaching, the pressure is mounting for a resolution, but for now, the market remains frozen.