Alex Bregman Rumors: Tigers Contract Talks at 'Standstill' Ahead of Spring Training
January 21, 2025
The Detroit Tigers reportedly haven't made headway on signing former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.
Per the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, the Tigers "remain interested" in Bregman, "but negotiations are at a standstill with less than one month until the first full-squad workout in spring training."
Bregman reportedly rejected the Astros' six-year deal worth around $156 million and is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million. Since turning down Houston's offer, he has been "courted by" the Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, according to Petzold.
Petzold reported in December that while there was mutual interest between Bregman and the Tigers, "there is a gap in perceived value." Detroit "refuses" to pay $200 million while Bregman "refuses" to sign a short-term deal.
Petzold also noted that the two sides have made "notable progress" since the beginning of the offseason.
Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, told USA Today's Bob Nightengale that Bregman has received "substantial interest" in a long-term deal.
"Bregman's a championship player, teams know it,'' Boras said. "It's really a matter of his decision-making and theirs, about how you can close up that gap. There's substantial interest (in long-term) deals.''
Bregman, 30, slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 2024. The two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is one of the best free agents left on the market and would be a major addition to the Tigers' infield, which added Gleyber Torres earlier this offseason.
Detroit made the postseason for the first time since 2024 last season, beating the Astros in the wild-card round before falling to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. While the Tigers have the talent to make another postseason run next year, adding Bregman could be the difference in emerging as a World Series contender.
