Tigers' free agency likely to be affected by Yankees-Cubs Cody Bellinger trade

Although they're clearly not planning on just dumping him like some early reports suggested, the Tigers could clearly take or leave Spencer Torkelson in 2025. Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press wrote soon after the Tigers' postseason exit that there were indications the club was ready to part ways with him, but their inactivity thus far on both the free agent and trade markets suggest that they're ready to give him another year if they can't work out a deal for an upgrade.

One of the league's latest big deals could complicate matters for Detroit. We already talked about Christian Walker to the Houston Astros, but outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger went to the Yankees from the Cubs on Tuesday (along with some cash to pay for part of his contract), and the Yankees sent Cody Poteet back to Chicago in exchange.

The Yankees are reportedly moving Bellinger to center field and shifting Aaron Judge over to right, which means they're still in need of a first baseman after declining Anthony Rizzo's option for 2025. They plan to be flexible with Bellinger's usage, but some suspect they're still on the hunt for a first baseman.

New York has been working overtime since they lost out on Juan Soto, and are now reportedly eyeing multiple first base options including a couple of rumored Tigers targets (Paul Goldschmidt, Carlos Santana and Pete Alonso). The Yankees are clearly more willing to spend money than the Tigers, and they could make things hard for Detroit's front office if they're really still looking for a Torkelson replacement.

Yankees' trade for Cody Bellinger could complicate Tigers' search for a first base upgrade

Goldschmidt is probably the most realistic option for the Tigers at this point; Walker and Alonso seem too far outside their very tight budget. Goldschmidt is widely expected to sign a one-year deal in the range of $11-15 million, which is right in Detroit's wheelhouse. However, Bob Nightengale reported that the Yankees are in conversations with Goldschmidt as well as Alonso and Santana. The Tigers haven't been linked to Santana, but he'd also be an incredibly affordable option.

The Tigers could always turn to the trade market and make something happen for corner infielder Yandy Díaz, who they've also been connected to a few times throughout the offseason. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also might be available, but it's unlikely Detroit would want to give up the prospect capital it would take to make a trade for him.

On the free agent market, Goldschmidt looks like the best bet, but the Tigers are going to have to double any efforts they've already made to sign him if talks haven't already died. Torkelson might just need one more season to really live up to the expectations attached to him as a first-round pick, but the Tigers shouldn't be complacent and just wait to find out.