alex

NOT that this would happen either, but deal Skubal for Schlitter and Weathers. In reality only a few teams can afford Skubal anyways - and IF the NYY do NOT get Bellinger they will be prompted to do something. Then Detroit could also sign another FA SP. The above two scenarios are fantasy perhaps as our GM/CEO has not shown any propensity to make talent based MLB player type deals. Hopefully this ability is there. I am really suspecting it is not as the Tigers now for 3+ years under his / their guidance and simply have not made any trades for adding proven MLB talents (besides Finnegan). I am not buying the team is not good enough yet (two years in a row now advancing in the playoffs) or the old 'We need a core' line (c'mon - Skubal, Olsen, Vest, Greene, Tork, Keith, Carp, etc.) is not in place. Those who think once McGonigle, Clark, Briceno, etc. are up and the team automatically will go to the playoffs and the CEO/GM will THEN add FAs and talented MLB players in trades are fooling themselves. It is then, if back to mediocrity and less, they to will be questioning the brass and asking for ANOTHER change. IMHO, this team has been and is pretty good right NOW and really has not added. I actually think Illitch would add if Harris thought it be the right type of player.

NOT that I would think any of this can happen - but we could simply sign Valdez first and almost force the NYM hand.

We could say that in both instances, after each of the last two seasons trade deadlines ('24 and '25), the exact opposite happened (team Ws and Ls) that Scott Harris was more than likely thinking would happen - as a result of his moves. Think about it.

Is there a link to the 'Tiger Talk' podcast on 97.1 Tuesday, Jan. 6 '26 with AJ joining DD/Marc Ryan? I looked and could not find one as of yet... Thanks

I agree for the 'most' part. However, IMHO, I think they will try to add still with what they feel comfortable with ex maybe up to a 2-4 year offer for a legit SP ex King, Suarez, Gallen, or try to trade. Although Harris has not/shown he can trade for an established MLB player, one would think he has to be able to trade a prospect or two at some point and do this? Now is the time and I do not mean trading a top 4 or 5 prospect (McG, Clark, Rainer, ... ) but we have several 2B, C types ex Anderson, Jung, Lee, etc. Problem here is that most teams are looking for P and we are thin there. With said they have to know where their SP is at after this yr (Skubal, Mize and Flaherty all FAs). I also think they may strongly consider making offers, that they are comfortable with again, to a few position players ex Bichette, Kim, etc. or even Bregman as they monitor each situation. This does mean they are going to land anyone (a SP or bat), but they will still go along with each one they may be interested in and make an offer when the time is right.

I can see 'some' of this for sure. However, I think each situation is different with each player. One good example is the Tigers signing of 'Pudge' Rodriguez in 2004. At that time Pudge just won the WS with Florida (2003). Nobody was offering him a long term deal (age, injury potential of his back, etc.) and he was seeking a longer term deal at 'that' point of his career. As I said before, I do think Bregman would actually come here. He himself said, while wearing a Boston uniform, in an interview at the beginning of last season that 'They (he and family) thought they may be going to Detroit'. We offered what he wanted, but did not give him an 'opt' out after one year. I still feel at best it is a 40% chance we sign Bregman. Yet the difference is 'he might actually come here.' However, it would not take the 8/300 you mentioned or even near that (maybe you exaggerated?). Offer him something like 5/160. With higher AAV earlier in the deal and an 'opt' out after each of the first two years. Make the first two years high at 40 mil and same 2nd year (then would owe 80 at 3 remaining years). Then he gets what he left on the table in Boston. He gets higher AAV the first two years. He can also get the security of longer term that he was 'said' to sought last year. If he does not wish to play in Detroit potentially without Skubal he can opt out (again, try to sign Skubal). As with last year, I do not think anyone is going to offer him more than 3 or 4 years (after all he is a year older and coming off another injury). With said he has to see that Detroit has a decent pipeline of younger players. He still may be the best fit for Detroit. A good veteran mentor and leader. RH contact bat for the middle of the order. Can play 3B well (later even 2B if needed). It could still work. Everyone has to see this. I say Bregman again with regards to FAs, because as said earlier I feel he really just might choose here IF the offer is enticing, which is unlike most other top FAs. With said, I would still go after P and make a run at Bichette (and maybe even Kim for INF help. Decent RH bat, speed, good glove).

I can see that as well. No doubt he is/has also talked to Jack Flaherty (his teammate for a few years), who thinks well of Fetters, A.J. and the organization.

Again, I am not pro-Avila here, but Norris for Reese Olson was a good deal. That is off the top of my head.

I will agree with this. I am not trying to be diplomatic here - but it is Avila's group mostly that we are working with. With said, I do not think he did a real good job with most areas of the franchise. Some here may think he really took us back and/or buried the franchise. I am not totally on board with that but to me he did NOT surround himself with the right people - and he needed to do just that. Scott Harris, all IMHO, is putting together a solid franchise from the ground up. I will say again he has really helped in several areas: scouting, player development, exercise and nutrition science gains on many fronts (rehab, recovery, etc.), facility upgrades, international look see, waiver wire 'potential' player pick-ups and more. However, I have said repeatedly, he has to show he can acquire MLB talent (not fringe MLB types). It has been apx three years now. We were not in the position 2-3 years ago to add. However, this team has now been to the post-season two straight years. Both times advancing. Most baseball pundits feel it is a talented team. Harris cannot give the previous statement we want to develop a core first (BTW, he has not done that lately). The Tigers can contend 'now'. It does not mean they will win a WS, but they can contend for it. With said they need to add some talented MLB players. Maybe another bat, a top RP or two and 'maybe' a solid starter. I have been questioning all along 'Can Harris add MLB talent, via trade or FA?' I would like to see it. The last trade deadline was nothing to write home about, it may have effected the team (cannot say for sure) but on the positive I feel it gave him some experience in dealing with several clubs GMs and hopefully he is better at evaluating real talent (our MLB scouts as well). So much of sports is a crap-shot. Injuries are one of the biggest factors (this is why depth is sooo important). The Tigers are close. They have Skubal for another year. The have a core. They have another wave coming of young players (and there will/should be less swing-and-miss). IMHO, Harris needs to add THIS off season MLB talent. It will be interesting to see what happens. If it shows up, that he does not have this knack, this skill set - then hopefully he can find someone to help him who can. That is also why I ask/question the ability of GM Greenberg just as much in THIS particular area.

Agreed, IMHO, if they see a real opportunity and without being public about it - they will at least try. I would think Bregman, Bichette, Kim, Arenado and a maybe couple others (an OF?) might be looked at.

Although I still think Bregman is the optimal target - Arenado might be a good addition. I know people here would say WAR, barrel %, not as good as he was, etc. but he is a pro. He has plenty of experience, could mentor by example and I think he really feels he has something to prove on his own. Heck, maybe SP Gray and him in a deal. StL more than likely would pick up a chunk of salary and we would NOT have to give up 'top' prospects which Harris would like. Regardless, if Arenado is moved, I think he personally would like it done well before ST as would StL. simply, it is time for both sides to move on - regardless of what team he is dealt to.

Asked (by Chasfh): "What makes you believe Bregman would seriously consider coming here?" All IMHO. I do think Bregman did really think about coming to Detroit last year. He said as much. I also think his wife needs to be on board with this destination. Not a 'Yes, lets go there!' but at least a 'If that is what you really want to do, I am behind you.' Bregman has the A.J. connection also. More so, from the Tigers standpoint, they will have to overpay any bigger FA it would seem to come here. With Bregman, IMHO, he does check off many areas. For instance, he has plenty of post season and championship pedigree. A RHB, middle of order hitter and hi-contact rate. Maybe most importantly, he is also a labeled a good teammate and a leader on and off the field. He can be a mentor for young players with his true baseball work ethic. All of the aforementioned were thought to be just that before last season. From all told he was exactly that in Boston. If Alex's goal is more HOF oriented, he may be best in Boston or Philly. However, I am somewhat surprised Boston had not already extended him. Why? I am not sure they wish to go to the extent of the contract wise he (and Boras) desire. Why did Boston not go 6 years last off season? If they would have given the same proposal the Tigers gave - we probably would not even be talking again about this. One thing though, they did move the Dever's contract. I can see other teams looking at him as well ex again Philly, the NYM, etc. I think maybe a 5-6 year 160 million deal might work (with an opt-out after the first year). This way Alex and Boras get the 6-7 total year deal for 200 mil that was rumored to be sought last year (if you include last years earnings). Bregman has already thought deeply about Detroit. They are contenders right now. IF the Tigers still feel he is 'the guy' they want and they know they are going to have to overpay 'one' guy at some point in the foreseeable future regardless, then they might go after him again. However, unlike last year they cannot wait on him. So, if they like Bichette and/or Kim (again some of this depends on Gleyber) or whoever else - then they go after that player as well. I think A.J and Harris may have really thought Bregman was coiming here last year. Just listen to the Harris interview when he was addressing that situation last ST. Even Alex thought they (his family) were coming here during a very early season interview. Again, what the Tigers perhaps should not do this year is just 'wait' too long for his decision. This is where the potential Torres deal may help and IF they like Bichette (and/or Kim), go for them simultaneously. They will have to over pay Bichette even more so of course - but he could be a guy that really fits long term and he can play multi positions (as can Kim for short term). It seems on the surface that Toronto (and of course Vlad) do really want Bo back - the question is how much payroll will they allocate and they still need to spend elsewhere with a heavy payroll to begin with. The Tigers have very little long term commitments. Toronto does. McGonigle will play regardless (and perhaps Rainer as well a bit later). Bregman (or Bichette), again IMHO, would be a good mentor for this core and the next. Kim would be a 'guy' that should help at this time (if healthy). My percent take on certain players signing here IF the Tigers go after them? * Bregman 40% * Kim 30% * Bichette 20% * Tucker 5% All would have to be over payed of course. I just feel Bregman is the most realistic of the FAs that could make an impact that really would consider it (again). There are other FAs, I am just not sure how much they could help 'this' team ex Osuna (a DH only), Hader (have Javy and Vierling coming back), Suarez (because of high Ks... yet maybe a one year deal), Hays (see Bader), etc. Would one of Japan's players consider Detroit as a U.S. destiny? A trade for a young potential big league player is an idea. We have are not seen this avenue from Harris (yes he acquired Malloy but he is a very incomplete player even still). With that said Harris would have to move some prospects at some point you would think. After all how many young INFs can you have? I am not sure this is a 'plus' area of our CEO and GMs abilities. The knack to make a deal - again we have not really seen it. I suppose another GM could help orchestrate a deal if they really like what the Tigers have. With a bigger FA scenario Ilitch might need to get involved. To push a bit for a 'legit' shot (with the overpay). The Tigers are not that far away NOW, especially with Skubal for one more year. Do they wish to push a bit this off season or talk about the 'next core' once again (see Harris' remarks 3 years ago)? Heck, maybe competing is good enough and let the chips fall where they may. We know the bigger teams (LAD, NYY, Philly, etc.) are still at the forefront. Yet anything can happen (see NYM 2025) and with a good amount of health and some luck (see Milwaukee 2025) things have happened. Throw in the potential for a lock-out after 2026 and it bodes for an interesting off season that is just starting.

Agreed. If healthy he would help. He can field, decent has some speed and a projected 2.4 WAR would help.

This is where I am it. I do think it is time for Harris to 'make some moves' and add MLB talent. Not all 'rebound' projects for arms either. IMHO, I think Bregman still would consider coming here, but I would not wait for him. I like Kim, Bichette, Hader and maybe a couple trade possibilities. I am not sure about a SP. That has never been Harris way, to offer longer term deals for SP and I really do NOT blame him there. Again, IMHO, it is time to get at least one more bat (even if Torres re-ups). Last off season they still went after Bregman after Torres. They have to think McGonigle will be on the team at some point (if not to start), but I think he and Javy can handle 2B, SS or 3B if they add another INF. They also have Keith who can play some 1B, 2B and 3B (also DH). They have ZMac as well. Torres signing or not, will have a domino effect. Regardless, they are in position to compete. FWIW, I also would like to see Harris maybe trade a prospect INF or two for a position of need prospect maybe (SP & INF). To add talent from outside is never easy, there is also risk but it is time for he and Greenberg to 'do so'. IMHO, I feel Ilitch would be behind them.

Also a Thanks!