What does reported Astros' offer to Alex Bregman tell the Tigers in free agency?

A year ago, it would have been practically unthinkable that the Detroit Tigers would be considered a favorite to land one of the top bats on the market in free agency this offseason. But a late-season surge and magical playoff run in 2024 saw them transform from deadline sellers into borderline contenders, thrusting them into the conversation for free agents like former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.

The Tigers are a promising young team on the rise, and Bregman is the type of veteran leader who can help them take the next step. He's also a right-handed bat, which would satisfy a need in the Tigers' lineup. It also certainly doesn't hurt that Bregman played for current Tigers manager AJ Hinch for four years in Houston, or that the two won a World Series together in 2017.

Bregman will no doubt have plenty of suitors this offseason, and the Tigers have built a compelling argument to land him. But can they put their money where their mouth is?

Reported Astros offer to Alex Bregman may officially price Tigers out of the bidding war in free agency

While Bregman's on-field fit with the Tigers is undeniable, the financial fit is another story – especially given the latest developments out of Houston. As reported late last week by Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Astros have presented an offer to Bregman and his camp. While the exact term and dollar amount of that offer remain unknown, the fact that it exists indicates that negotiations have likely escalated and that the Astros have a decent shot at bringing him back. It also doesn't help that Heyman added "Bregman might be pricey for Detroit" shortly after.

Of course, the Tigers knew they wouldn't be able to get Bregman for cheap; no team would. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden predicted Bregman's next contract to be seven years at $185.5 million, and that may not be too far off. That would likely price the Tigers out of the running for Bregman's services already.

With news of the Astros' offer likely to urge other clubs to inquire about Bregman before it's too late, the resulting bidding war will likely drive the price even further out of Detroit's range. Tigers fans really shouldn't get their hopes up here.

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