Alex Bregman spurning Tigers actually isn't so bad with upcoming free agent class

The Tigers took a massive swing with Alex Bregman and, even though they missed, it wasn't really their fault. It wasn't hard to believe through the entire Bregman saga that the Tigers just didn't want to give him what he was looking for, but when offer details were quickly revealed following Bregman's signing with the Red Sox, it was clear that Detroit's front office gave it all they had.

The Tigers offered him seven years and $171.5 million with an opt out after the 2026 season, while the Sox offered three years and $120 million with opt-outs after every season.

It also confirmed to fans that the Tigers really are willing to spend when they find a guy they're willing to go all-in on, and that they haven't been completely disheartened by how Javy Báez's deal has worked out for them.

So, the Tigers have a promising group of young players to put on the field in 2025 and saved $171.5 million by losing out on Bregman that they can (and should) reinvest next season. Taking a quick look at the upcoming 2025-2026 free agent class, maybe losing Bregman could be a blessing in disguise.

Tigers could get the last laugh with Alex Bregman as 2025-2026's free agent class looks stacked

Bregman has an opt-out after the first year of his Red Sox deal, so he could plausibly become a free agent again when the season's over. However, Scott Harris' comments about targeting players who want to play in Detroit following the Red Sox's victory make it seem like they won't overextend themselves with Bregman in the future.

But other free agent third basemen on the upcoming market include Eugenio Suárez, a consistent masher who slugs off of lefties, and utility infielders include Ha-Seong Kim and Luis Arraez, who might not do much in the way of power but would reliably get on base.

There's the possibility that Jace Jung proves his mettle at third and becomes the Tigers' everyday guy at that position, but Gleyber Torres will also be a free agent again next year, which could leave the Tigers in need of a first or second baseman depending on where they decide to put Colt Keith in 2026. The rotation will also be in need of some major upgrades (even more so if Jack Flaherty opts out of his deal), and the likes of Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen and Framber Valdez are on the market at the end of the season. It's possible Shota Imanaga hits free agency, too.

And what about some luxury items? Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kyle Tucker, Kyle Schwarber and Devin Williams will be available. One can dream.

So the Tigers have options, and they've set a new bar in terms of spending expectations because they were willing to give so much money to Bregman. Unless they're going to extend Tarik Skubal, we had better see that $171.5 million put to good use next offseason.