Tigers' solution to sign Alex Bregman seems pretty self-explanatory

Alex Bregman re-signing with the Houston Astros was already looking less likely by the day, but first baseman Christian Walker signing a free agent deal with Houston Friday appeared to be the final nail in the coffin.

Walker's contract is worth $60 million for three years, effectively putting an end to any hope that the Astros would be able to come up with the money required to bring Bregman back. The two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion reportedly had a six-year, $156 million offer on the table from Houston, but he is reportedly looking for something in the $200 million neighborhood. Maybe – just maybe – the Detroit Tigers could be the ones to give it to him?

The Tigers make sense as a landing spot for Bregman. They need some veteran leadership and corner infield help, not to mention a right-handed bat in the middle of their lineup. Tigers manager AJ Hinch coached Bregman for four seasons in Houston. The fit is undoubtedly there, and the Tigers really need to start getting busy this offseason.

Tigers Rumors: Alex Bregman's free agency market coming into focus

We know the Tigers are gun shy when it comes to spending money on lengthy free agent contracts (hopefully, they've learned their lesson with Javy Báez), but that shouldn't negate their ability to present an attractive offer to Bregman.

An easy solution would be front-loading the contract, making it more appealing to Bregman in the short term. Detroit's payroll is incredibly small in the short term, so they can afford to pay Bregman more now while creating flexibility down the road and insuring themselves against his regression seasons.

Some might argue the Tigers need more than Bregman, and that this offseason doesn't offer the most realistic solutions for them to make a flurry of moves. But if they get creative with their pursuit of Bregman, they can set themselves up nicely during this promising window with future signings and/or trade acquisitions without putting themselves in a precarious situation.

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