Tigers, Alex Bregman Negotiations Stall as Spring Training Nears

DETROIT, Mich. — Negotiations between the Detroit Tigers and free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman have reached a standstill, with less than a month remaining before spring training begins, according to a source familiar with the situation. The Tigers, seeking a right-handed hitting third baseman, have the payroll flexibility to sign a franchise-altering player but remain at an impasse with Bregman, who is reportedly seeking a long-term deal worth $200 million.

Bregman, 30, is coming off a strong 2024 season with the Houston Astros, where he slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 30 doubles in 145 games. He also earned his first Gold Glove award. A two-time All-Star, Bregman has a career OPS+ of 132 and a WAR of 39.6 over nine MLB seasons, all with the Astros. His addition would significantly bolster the Tigers’ lineup as they aim to build on their surprise playoff run in 2024.

“The Detroit Tigers remain interested, but negotiations are at a standstill with less than one month until the first full-squad workout in spring training,” said a source close to the talks. The Tigers are not alone in their pursuit of Bregman, as the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays have also expressed interest. However, no team has yet met Bregman’s asking price, which reportedly led him to reject a six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros earlier this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to make moves, reportedly working toward a deal with right-handed reliever Kirby Yates. Yates, 37, posted a 1.17 ERA in 61 innings last season and is ranked as the 36th-best free agent this winter. His market is limited due to durability concerns, but his two-pitch approach—featuring a 93 mph fastball and a devastating splitter—has proven effective, with both pitches generating whiff rates over 30% in 2024.

In other free-agent news, outfielder Jurickson Profar has drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Blue Jays, Astros, and San Diego Padres. Profar, 31, is coming off a breakout season, but his age may limit his market. The Blue Jays recently signed Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million deal, while the Astros are looking to replace Kyle Tucker, who was traded to the Chicago Cubs earlier this winter.

As the offseason winds down, the Tigers face a critical decision: whether to lead the market for Bregman or wait for another team to set the terms. The best-case scenario for Detroit would be Bregman receiving no other long-term offers, leaving the Tigers as the last team standing. However, the risk remains that Bregman could sign elsewhere or opt for a short-term deal with opt-outs, potentially sparking a bidding war.

With Santander off the board, Bregman is the top position player remaining in free agency. The Tigers’ next move could determine whether they secure a cornerstone player for their lineup or miss out on the offseason’s biggest prize.