Alex Bregman cements his legacy as a Tigers' villain in signing with the Cubs

The charade of Alex Bregman's free agency has a resolution, and one that will likely make Detroit Tigers fans roll their eyes. The All-Star third baseman whom the Tigers coveted last offseason and had some interest in this offseason has signed a five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs worth $175 million. Bregman's deal with Chicago has no opt-outs, so there shouldn't be a repeat of his charade any time soon.

There's no question that dealing with Scott Boras has left a sour taste in the mouth of the Tigers. Bregman signed a three-year deal worth $120 million with the Boston Red Sox last February. The key components of the deal were that it included heavy deferrals, the present-day value of the deal was closer to $90 million, and that the veteran third baseman had a chance to double back to free agency this offseason.

It's two of the biggest reasons why the Tigers to did not walk away from last offseason with the 31-year-old on their roster. While the Tigers did offer Bregman the most overall money, $171.5 million spread out over six seasons, their offer was limited on deferrals and had an opt-out after the second year of the deal.

Alex Bregman just became a full-blown Tigers villain after Cubs deal

Like the Tigers, the Cubs were another team that was left as the bridesmaid for Bregman last offseason. Though Chicago's offer last year didn't even come close to the one the Tigers had on the table, or the creative structure of his previous deal with the Red Sox.

With Bregman being a year older and also having a notable injury during the 2025 season, there wasn't a scenario where the Tigers were going to offer fewer years but more overall money to the third baseman this time around.

Not to mention, reporting after the fact suggests that talks between the Tigers and Boras took a "nasty turn" before his client signed with the Red Sox, leading to Scott Harris being determined to prove that the team can win without the former first-round pick.

While the Bregman story has closed, cementing his legacy as a Tigers' heel, Harris and Co. can't avoid Boras, and they have another charade on their hands. Boras represents Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal, and the agent is using the arbitration process to make a point. In doing so, Boras is dividing the fanbase and setting the stage for Skubal's heartbreaking exit next offseason.