Tigers writer’s open-letter plea to Alex Bregman shows how dire situation has become

The calendar has flipped to February, spring training is right around the corner, and we still aren't any closer to knowing where Alex Bregman will be playing this year.

The longer the free agent third baseman remains unsigned, the more rumors begin to swirl. Several teams have entered and exited the Bregman sweepstakes, but the Detroit Tigers are one of the few that have remained consistently in the mix throughout the offseason. However, the club and Bregman (and his agent, Scott Boras) reportedly remain far apart in value, keeping a deal from getting done.

Meanwhile, other teams have thrown their hats into the ring, and the Tigers fanbase is starting to get desperate.

Tigers writer’s open-letter plea to Alex Bregman shows how dire situation has become

Sports columnist Jeff Seidel of the Detroit Free Press recently penned an open letter to Bregman detailing why he should sign with the Tigers, calling it he "bold" choice that would allow him to "truly make a difference and add another layer to your legacy." He also took a few not-so-subtle digs at the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs and Bregman's former team – the Houston Astros – all of whom have been connected to the third baseman at one point or another during free agency.

Seidel used every tactic in the book to convince Bregman – explaining that the "whole freakin' state of Michigan" wants him, quoting players and pundits alike describing Bregman's potential fit with the Tigers, reminding him how much has changed in Houston. He brought up the Tigers' ALDS win over the Astros in an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" argument , likely things Bregman doesn't need convincing on.

It's easy to see why Bregman and the Tigers would have mutual interest in one another, but the fact remains Bregman is holding out for a long-term deal in the $200 million range, and Detroit isn't willing to hand out that kind of contract at that asking price. Perhaps, then, Seidel's letter to Bregman isn't actually to Bregman at all; maybe it's a masked plea to the Tigers' front office to spend a little more than they're comfortable with.

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