Alex Bregman Considered Tigers Before Signing with Red Sox
Alex Bregman has officially joined the Boston Red Sox on a three-year, $120 million contract, but he had significant interest in the Detroit Tigers during free agency.
His agent, Scott Boras, confirmed that Bregman prioritized Detroit as a potential landing spot, particularly after observing the Tigers’ strong playoff run in 2024. In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Boras highlighted Bregman’s admiration for the franchise, its history, and its leadership.
“Alex has great respect for the Detroit organization, its great players, and its heralded manager,” Boras stated. “After seeing the Tigers’ potential up close in the 2024 playoffs, he instructed me to include them on his priority list for free-agent meetings. Following very positive discussions, Alex directed me to convey offers to Detroit, illustrating his high regard for the city and the franchise.”
While the Tigers explored the possibility of adding Bregman, their current payroll stands at around $130 million, with infielders Javier Báez and Gleyber Torres accounting for a combined $40 million. Detroit is also invested in young third baseman Jace Jung, while Matt Vierling’s performance last season secured him a starting role in 2025.
Bregman, 30, brings a strong résumé to Boston, including two World Series titles, a Gold Glove at third base, and two top-five finishes in AL MVP voting. Over nine seasons with the Houston Astros, he has accumulated a career WAR of 39.6 while slashing .272/.366/.483 with 191 home runs. He has never posted an OPS+ below 113.
His contract with the Red Sox includes opt-out clauses after both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, meaning his free agency could become a topic of discussion again as early as next winter.
