After the Detroit Tigers brought Jack Flaherty back on a two-year, $35 million contract, all eyes turned (back) to Alex Bregman.
The Tigers have been able to remain heavily involved in Bregman's free agency throughout the offseason, which is saying something considering how long this process has dragged out. However, they aren't the only ones interested in enlisting his services.
At this juncture, Bregman's options seem to be down to the Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Chicago Cubs and a surprising potential reunion with the Houston Astros. However, recent news out of Houston indicates that the latter option may no longer be on the table.
Astros GM's comments might've just opened door for Tigers on Alex Bregman
Not long after the news broke that Bregman had reengaged in negotiations with the Astros, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported from the team's annual media luncheon Tuesday that general manager Dana Brown referred to Bregman in the past tense not once, but twice. Specifically, Brown noted that the Astros had "lost" Bregman and lumped him in the same category as outfielder Kyle Tucker, who was traded to the Cubs in December.
A reunion may not be in the cards between the Astros and Alex Bregman
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 4, 2025
via @Chandler_Rome pic.twitter.com/DuQuUVgnHN
Based on Brown's comments, it certainly doesn't sound like the Astros are interested in bringing Bregman back; but that should have been clear already when they got third baseman Isaac Paredes from the Cubs in the Tucker trade.
Brown essentially confirmed what we already knew to be true: that Bregman's days in Houston are officially over. Without the possibility of an Astros reunion hanging in the balance, Bregman could easily be the Tigers' to lose if they have a respectable offer on the table.
We know that Bregman turned down a six-year, $162 million offer from Houston earlier in the offseason, as he was reportedly seeking a seven-year deal worth closer to $200 million, which, at this point, he almost certainly won't get. If he has come around to the idea of accepting a shorter-term deal at a higher annual value, the Tigers have no excuse not to make an aggressive push to sign him and ride their momentum after the Flaherty deal.
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