Alex Bregman: Detroit Tigers Miss Out on Alex Bregman to Boston Red Sox, President Responds: ‘We’re Just Fine Without Him’ | MLB News
The Detroit Tigers aggressively pursued free agent All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, reportedly offering a competitive contract. But Bregman spurned the Tigers for the Boston Red Sox, leaving the Tigers with nothing. In response, the president of the Detroit Tigers maintained the team would be “just fine” without him, a remark that generated controversy regarding the team’s ability to land elite talent.
Detroit Tigers Lose Alex Bregman to Boston Red Sox Despite Competitive Offer
The Detroit Tigers had targeted Alex Bregman as a possible cornerstone of their infield and reportedly were prepared to make him a deal of $150–175 million over several years. The Boston Red Sox, a franchise with a more enduring playoff history, eventually convinced Bregman. The move again emphasizes the Tigers’ ineffectiveness at signing top-tier free agents despite making competitive deals.
In response to the news, the president of the Detroit Tigers minimized the miss, saying, “We’re going to be just fine without Alex Bregman, and we still have a clubhouse that just got to the postseason and just beat a team with Alex Bregman, so it clearly can be done.” Although the remark was perhaps meant as a show of confidence, it sounded defensive, and it raised questions about the team’s capacity to close big deals in free agency. The Tigers have experienced similar disappointments in recent years, most notably losing shortstop Carlos Correa in 2022.
Detroit Tigers’ Free Agency Struggles Continue
The Detroit Tigers have not made the postseason since 2014, marking a decade-long drought. During this time, the franchise has struggled to sign top-tier players despite having financial flexibility. Their biggest recent acquisition, Javier Báez, has underperformed, posting a .643 OPS in 2023, which has likely made other free agents hesitant to join the team.
Alex Bregman’s signing with the Boston Red Sox was more than about the money. The Red Sox, though inconsistent, have a winning culture, with several playoff seasons and a World Series championship in 2018. That makes them an attractive destination for players who want both competitive games and long-term success.
Detroit Tigers Must Build a Winning Culture
The Detroit Tigers’ inability to sign Alex Bregman reflects a bigger problem: money is not enough to get top talent. Until the franchise can prove itself a regular contender, star free agents will look elsewhere. If the Tigers are to alter this script, they need to construct a team players wish to play for—not merely one that can pay them.
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