alex

I believe his teammate Rusty Staub did so as well.

A 'win' with Toronto fans, IMHO, is to sign Vlad Jr to an extension. Bregman will get paid by someone, not sure he is on board with going there and already the 'census' is NO Bichette extension (just because of one off year - yet he is still young) and no extension (as of yet) with Vlad Jr. who is only going to get more expensive. I do not think at this point in his career Bregman is a guy to 'build' around. I do think Bregman wants to win while getting paid. Toronto, even with those two were not in a strong/favored position to do so moving forward- in that division. For the Tigers to be the destiny of a rare young star (say 26-28 yr old) FA may not be realistic. That and those types of salaries also may be unrealistic either. Detroit may have only made the playoffs 1 time in the last ten years as you mentioned - but it is the most important year of the last 10 because it was the most recent - hence the indication of where at. That and a 'known' developing farm system is a good thing. IMHO, the Tigers will have to roll the dice now and then on 30+ year old FAs at various times. The question is whom of these type of players are worth taking a chance on for a longer commitment? Bregman may not be worth 6 years. Few FAs are. Yet, he does check many needed boxes: RH bat, middle of lineup if need be for awhile, 3B/decent glove, many intangibles ex played for Hinch, winning history, clubhouse presence, potential organization guy, etc. No question the team is/has weighed all of this. IMHO, they may have an offer out there. Someone like Toronto 'could' offer 200+. The two big questions are: 1) Where does Bregman want to play (Houston appears out and he would not have left that if he did not feel 'another' team he may be comfortable with has interest)? 2) How much does Detroit value him? Another note, sooo much of sports success is health and luck. Yes, you can help put yourself into a more favorable position with both (ex depth and preparation) - but those two things will always have a strong say regarding the end results. Now off to the day and festivities 😊 Best to all and Go Tigs!

I do agree with the three years, but IMHO it would seem so would most teams pursuing him. How much might you max out at for 3 years? 60, 65, 70M total? Maybe even start the salary higher for 2 years and then a bit lower for the third? IF he has a good market, and I would think he does, he will no doubt be able to choose his location. Heck, it may even take a 4th yr if the bidding is strong and that to me is a bit too much.

Agreed. There is risk with any FA player in his early 30's. With said, if you come across a good FA that is in their mid 20's that often means many teams will be in on him and it may take more of the 7-10 deal to get something done. ALL FA players have risk. Most all teams with any kind of payroll have (and know) they will have some payroll that is burdensome at some point. If the Tigers are considered mid market, then they too will have some lost payroll at most times. The thing about Bregman, IF they can get him where it is not outrageous (and SHarris will not go that far nor should he, IMHO) - is that he brings many intangibles with his game as well. He could be like a player-coach all the into his last years. Heck, he could even be an 'organization' type guy as well afterwards. I do think they are really looking at this - but will only go so far.

Just curious, what would you offer Walker?

Something should be happening before to long with Bregman. I just wonder if the Cubs are now involved? Who is their 3B, now and for the future, after this deal?

I agree as well (Someone will pick up Baddoo).

Alex Cobb is on board: https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/12/tigers-to-sign-alex-cobb.html

It is a real thought. Not sure what the chances actually are. Yet, IMHO, and no doubt many others here - they should go all out and try - IF they think very highly of him. If they give it their best, and no-go, then so be it.

Well put and simple. Unless something unforeseen happens or the team gets a good offer, Tork (and Mize) more than likely will be given fair shots again this upcoming season to be part of the movement forward.

I do agree here. All depends on the cost. Maybe they might feel they could make him better all around. He kinda has not lived up to his billing (then again Tork, Mize, Manning, etc.) I think they will go after someone who they may be able to help - but also make them a better overall team. The bigger FAs just may be a bit too expensive in terms of the salary COMBINED with contract length. Does not seem more than four years is often very wise. Yet, most any team with a mid to upper level total payroll often has a waning vet or two (or three) on board.

Hmm, a rumor out there that Alec Bohm could be available. Maybe he (via trade, of course depends on what you have to give up) and a RGrichuk combo from FA? Not concerned about having too many players for any positions. We should ALL know by now 'depth' is of utmost importance. There will be injuries, etc.

Totally agree. People may not be paying attention to the amount of injuries involving pitching. As DCone said teams are getting wiser in that they need 10 SPs that can go 150 innings between AAA (even some on rehab in AA/A) and the MLB squad. I was glad to hear SHarris say it again - "you can never have enough pitching" at the year end presser. They should get minimum 2 SPs. Maybe 1 more of a sure thing type (which does not exist) and 1 role the dice/rehab type - and I think they know that. This is one reason why MLB teams should give incentives to the Jacob Junis types in the league. All based on total innings and NOT just MLB innings. This strategy might work better for both the players and the teams. All IMHO.

I do think the Tigers will 'think' about it. I personally am not so sure Houston is going to commit long term to another position player I do think the Tigers will 'think' about Bregman. I personally am not even 50% sure Houston is going to committ long term to another position player as they have already with Altuve and Alvarez. They also have Tucker to think about after next season - and he is younger. They only went so far with Correa and Springer as we remember. This same approach may hold true for Alex - if it is going to take 6 yrs Houston, or any team, may balk at it. Maybe 4 years parlayed into something with options might work. Oddly, or not, I remember the interview with Bregman after the Tigers beat the Astros. He was upset but also pretty complimentary towards the Tigers, IMHO. The thing we forget is how important depth is. Jung can help us here as there are always injuries and he could play 2B or 3B (maybe learn 1B). Maybe he is a trade possibility if a team really likes him and that team has a player the Tigers desire. We have some INFs coming through the system: Lee, McGonigle, Rainer, etc. This off season will be a bit different. I do see them going after another veteran SP to line up behind Skubal. Gray from StL has two years left with an option. That may be something the Tigers like and StL may look to deal him. I also like the idea of Buehler.

Who do you think they might go after and who 'would' interest you?

Well put ! Credit to the Tigers team, A.J., Fetters, the developmental staff, the fans, etc. Funny, BAnderson said after the game, paraphrasing 'Many people questioned if Cleveland did enough at the deadline (Boyd, Cobb, Thomas)' Well, look at what we did at the deadline. Baseball can be a funny game. A.J. said it at the presser, we ARE a winning team now. We need to have a good off season, spring and go into next year. Then again they could add to the team, look better on paper and not even get this far next year. Good old luck is always a part of it. I am personally not big on long term deals to FAs. Yet, we will have to spend some funds - to trade for or sign the right guy or two. They had a roster this postseaon of what 26Mil? (off course that is NOT counting Javy, Maeda, Miggy and the players they dealt). SHarris and Greenberg have to see their IS a partial 'core' there now and younger players on the way (Clark, McGonigle, Lazardo, Jobe, etc.). With ownership hopefully they will have a plan to 'add' to what has now been put together. They could even put a trade package together if they 'think' a particular player or two could be acquired to help 'this team' quite a bit. Go Tigs !

Yes, it seemed AA was decent at scouting and a few other things. However, trades and player development along with putting the right people in place for the latter were not really there. I have been on SHarris at times. However, I do see his plan. It is to develop from the foundation up. It makes sense. Player development is of utmost importance and we have lacked here for a long time. AA got some players into the system but Harris and co. are developing several of them. I like Harris' approach on FAs. It does not seem long term deals are often in his thoughts (based on his signings here and at SF). They rarely work out - but there may have to be an exception here and there. He seems to have the right idea with pitching. It is so volatile and short term deals may be more the wave of the future. Heck, higher AAV may be the way to go with many position players as well. I know 3B MChapman just got a larger/longer deal - but IMHO, SF may be regretting this before long. I also think organizations need to get wiser with SPs (maybe some are). DCone has mentioned a few times, each club may need 10 SPs that can give apx 150 +/- innings between MLB and AAA (some at AA perhaps). IMHO, it seems there should perhaps be better pay for the Jacob Junis' of the world. Meaning contracts based on innings at both the MLB and AAA season. This type of SP is all over and they often are starting meaningful games these days. Injuries are more prevalent now than ever before. It is just a fact. Hence, depth is of utmost importance. It 'seems' Harris and co. know this. As for trades? DD was very good at this (yet not every trade works for any GM of course). It seems so far so good. SHarris and JGreenberg will have to rely on scouting but the 'negotiating' part still remains to be seen. IMHO, the Tigers are developing a core at the MLB level with potentials also on the way. Depth is of utmost importance and luck, for every team, is also part of the equation (ex extensive injuries, etc.). If the ownership backing is there - as it would seem it is ex the recent past with ERod, JBaez, etc. signings and the ok to the AMeadows deal, etc. and Harris has mentioned it would be, the sustainability for a competitive team should be in the cards. That is all we can ask for from a fan standpoint. Go Tigers!

Perhaps the 'pitching issues' you are talking about are the 'norm' for this day and age. The outliers are the teams only using 6-7 SPs at this time - if there are any at all. There simply are many injuries. As an example the 2006 Tigers only had 7 SPs of 2 starts or more! Kind of like the back of the Don Wert baseball card (RIP). Back then and well before, even for a decade or two after, the position players played/started 140+ games quite often. This is a different day and game today. Organizational depth is of utmost importance today.

All teams will have a few veteran players. Regardless if they are contending for a title or rebuilding. Detroit will be no different. They could add a position player in his early 30s to play 1B, and utility. There is also the fact that there will be injuries, we should all know this, and depth is of utmost importance.

It seems a bit of frustration with Riley here? We all may have a bit of that - but none more than what Riley himself may have. He tries hard. He is a very good player. Some players are just more likely to get hurt. It is up to management to be aware of this and take some precautions. Meadows not performing, then getting hurt put Greene in CF more often than the team wanted him to be. The LA series, then on turf for days at the AS game, not to mention no break. Then back on turf in the Toronto series right after the NO break (for Greene) ASG period, etc. took a toll. I am not sure how the team manages this. There is a pattern and they have to see it. This is why player development is so critical. Greene should be no. 3 if not 4 on our CF depth chart to start with. ex Meadows, Vierling, Perez (heck even Baddoo)... later Clark. Again, development. The young players have to go with the team for 5-6 years. If some of it is sitting, so be it. Good young talented players, as SHarris said, are the key. Sure LAD, NYY and a couple other teams can spend there way around it, most teams cannot - so developing young players is the key. CF is a 'defense' first position. Even a vet like Marisnik helped us last year ('23). The player does not have to be a 'star' every time. Just good enough for a particular role to help. Management hopefully understand this. Many injuries are simply a fact in MLB. Again, it is becoming a game of attrition and depth and preparation are of utmost importance.

Good data to know, thanks!

Agree depth is hard to find. Maybe it has to be developed as well. Many players have failed to reach a goal of staying off the IL (which more than likely is every player's goal - not just Riley). Following is just a current list, not counting those who were and those who will be, on the IL: https://www.covers.com/sport/baseball/mlb/injuries Of course 'no player wants to sit on the bench or be in the minors waiting'. With said that 'mind set' is very yesterday's thinking. IMHO, today player's needs to be ready for an opportunity - that may be the more wise way of looking at things. The player and agent will/should be aware of what is going on. Every team is going through injuries during today's game. Just looking at the Tigers, did we wish to see 1 or 2 of Vilade, McKinstry, Baddoo, Perez, etc. in the OF on a somewhat regular basis before the season began? Of course not. Here is where SHarris and co. may be ahead in their thinking. Look at the INF. Keith, Jung, Lee, McGonigle, Rainer, Sweeney, etc. They are building from the ground up and with depth and none of the just aforementioned are going anywhere soon unless dealt away. I for one have been on SHarris and co. to put more resources into the MLB team. Yet, I do see a plan. I do think they need to sign 1-2 SPs this off season and some BP pieces (all short term deals). IF the opportunity presents itself to get a position player/bat, then of course - but not at the expense of a long term contract (again, unless a franchise player, that is yesterdays thinking and mistake).

IMHO, that sounds good but is not a reality in today's game. Every team has many injuries. The data/IL stints prove this. Sure there may be an outlier team or two each year - but that is the exception. The key may be to not just have and be dependent on just 3-4 main 'good' players. To add/develop 3-4 more 'good' players (then 6-8 total) AND add decent depth as well after that - then keep it going (again, development is key with an addition perhaps here and there from outside). It is like SPs, you have to have a lot of depth - or else.

Baseball for most all teams is becoming a game/war of attrition. You need a lot of depth. For example anyone 'penciling' in Greene, Carpenter and Meadows next year as your starting OF (or any starting INF, starting staff, etc.) is fooling themselves. Look at the OF at one point over the weekend: Baddoo, Madris and Vilade. The days of penciling in 8 starting position players for 140+ games and 5 SPs for 150-200 IP are long gone. If a team is 'lucky' they may get 3-4 positional players to do that and 1-2 SPs. So much has changed since we could rattle off the starting lineups for the good teams for so many years. I do like that the team is acquiring talented young INFs. Keith, Jung, Lee, McGonigle, Sweeney, Rainer, etc. To be able to move around a bit may help and they are not real distant in age so some overlapping may indeed help us. SHarris and crew seem to perhaps understand that the game is now this way - that would be very wise 🦉 😉

Baseball for most all teams is becoming a game/war of attrition. You need a lot of depth. Anyone 'penciling' in Greene, Carpenter and Meadows next year as your starting OF (or any listed INF, starting staff, etc.) is fooling themselves. This is just the way it is now for most ALL teams. A few may get a little luckier than others. Ideas? Rosters need to be built with depth in mind. Each team with maybe 2 scheduled days off a week. Have 27-28 on a roster. Schedule's of 150 games with doubleheaders included at times. Pay SPs accordingly ex inning totals for MLB and AAA (this way more journeyman types can pitch for teams). The league finally recognized the need for pitch clocks (though I feel after 10 pitches to 1 batter it should be moved to 20-25 seconds between the remaining Ps for the rest of that particular AB). Larger bases and no more blocking them. Less mound visits. No more shifting, etc. - all of this helped. However, there has to be consideration for the athletes themselves and rest & recovery is foremost concern. Right now, there is very little. Most are actually 'over trained/conditioned'. It may take a couple more years of huge IL numbers, but hopefully the sides will better understand this. Sure, teams can hire more physiology majors, trainers, etc. and do studies. The truth is you have to be able to recover - and rest (not playing and practicing extensively) may be the only way. All IMHO.