Tigers might be losing steam with Anthony Santander as AL East team closes in

One of the Detroit Tigers' primary Alex Bregman backup plans may be on the verge of falling through, as an AL East team has reportedly made an official contract offer to free agent slugger Anthony Santander.

The Toronto Blue Jays are trying to change the narrative after missing out on so many big names. While the size and length of Toronto's offer remain unknown, it had already been widely reported that the Blue Jays and Los Angeles Angels were the frontrunners to land the switch-hitting outfielder in free agency. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported last month that Santander, a first-time free agent, is seeking a five-year contract worth at least $100 million.

As the Tigers and Bregman have so far been unable to come to an agreement on value, Santander has emerged as a more cost-effective solution to Detroit's need for a powerful bat in their lineup. While there is mutual interest, Bregman is seeking double the value that Santander is, causing a hangup for the cost-conscious Tigers.

Tigers might be losing steam with Anthony Santander as Blue Jays make offer

The Tigers' outfield is already stacked with young talent, making Santander a less-than-ideal fit over Bregman. However, their lineup lacks power, something that Santander can provide from both sides of the plate.

As the Tigers look to take the next step toward making a deeper playoff run and contending for the American League Central title, they will need to weigh their priorities. Bregman could theoretically address two areas of need as a third baseman and a power hitter; Santander, on the other hand, only addresses one.

If Santander is indeed nothing more than a contingency plan for the Tigers, they should be prepared to lose him to another team (at this point, likely the Blue Jays). He is coming off the best offensive performance of his career with the Baltimore Orioles in 2024, so his value is arguably at its highest, even if he does come at a relative bargain compared to Bregman. The Blue Jays have the cash to make a competitive offer, while whatever cash the Tigers have is being clutched tightly and given out sparingly. Hopefully, they'll at least make an exception for Bregman.

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