Tigers Rumors: Detroit linked to 2 big bats including hyped Japanese newcomer

After last offseason's Alex Bregman debacle, Detroit Tigers fans are probably still gun-shy about engaging in any more free agency bidding wars. However, the upcoming free agent class is loaded with offensive talent that could help the Tigers in their quest for an American League pennant; so, even after losing out on Bregman last year, they'd be best advised to dust themselves off and try the market again.

Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden ranked the Top 50 potential free agents for the 2025-26 offseason in a recent column for The Athletic (subscription required) and acknowledged a handful of bats that could be good fits for the Tigers. Yes, Bregman is one of them, as he has an opt-out after the first year of his contract with the Boston Red Sox, but Bowden also threw in some other intriguing names from the upcoming free agent class who deserve an extra look from Detroit.

Tigers Rumors: Detroit linked to 2 big bats including hyped Japanese newcomer

The Tigers are always looking to add veteran leadership and power to their lineup, so Bowden suggested Philadelphia Phillies DH and upcoming free agent Kyle Schwarber as a potential fit.

"Schwarber is arguably the best teammate in the game, reaches base at a 39 percent clip and is always in the hunt for the home run crown," Bowden wrote. "He’s a player most teams will covet if they have an opening or flexibility at the DH spot."

Flexibility is AJ Hinch's middle name, so moving pieces around to make room for Schwarber in the Tigers' lineup wouldn't be a huge challenge. But unless he's willing to see at least semi-regular playing time in the outfield – something he hasn't done since 2023 – it might be hard for the Tigers to justify signing a bat-only player to a sizable free agent contract.

Bowden also linked Detroit to a top name on the international free agent market in Japanese power bat Munetaka Murakami, who is rumored to be playing in his final season in Nippon Professional Baseball and planning to move to MLB in 2026. The 25-year-old holds the single-season NPB record for home runs by a Japanese-born player (56), which he set in 2022, and he has racked up 242 home runs and 671 RBI over his eight-season career.

Defensively, Murakami can play first base, third base and the outfield, though Bowden noted that he is "below average" at third base and merely "adequate" at first. Bowden went on to say that the Tigers should be interested in Murakami "if they're OK with him at third base," which might be a defensive risk worth taking if his bat is as advertised.

Regardless, the Tigers will have options and payroll flexibility (thanks to Bregman) when the offseason arrives.

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