alex

It would seem Detroit is not a place for anything short term for sure. Yet, if Bregman's market is not there this year, and he will turn 32 next spring, I do not see him getting 'better' offers even if he has a year more like 2023 (not 2024). Most teams are simply not giving into demands like they used to (see Alonso, Flaherty, etc.) and 'know' how player performances are often lesser with advancing age. If Bregman takes a shorter deal or a deal with opt outs - he will need a very good year to get a longer term value deal afterwards. If he does not perform well, gets hurt, plays say 80, 100 games, etc. he will need the longer term - with opt outs. He and Boras of course have looked at every situation. It would seem Detroit would have to believe he is the guy they want, ex this year, next year, etc. Maybe even keep him in the organization. IMHO, Detroit is 'not' a destination for most hitters. Also, we are not going to outbid anyone for any 'big' FA bats ex Vlad, Tucker, etc. - it is not going to happen (see Soto, Ohtani, etc.) - and I agree with this. Draft and develop. Yet, there will be times we will need a good 'veteran'. Will we always be limited to one year deals to position players (rebounds or prove its)? Just IMHO, Detroit would have to go in with a straight 5-6 yr deal worth 'x' (if it makes him feel better include an opt out or two, maybe FL the deal). Bregman then simply must decide - I am good going to Detroit, ex good salary and long term security, with A.J., can contend now, good farm system to compete in the future, and they given me opt outs, etc. IF Detroit feels he is the right guy, then they have to pony up to a certain extent ex 5 yrs 180, nothing too outrageous (yet, what I just exampled may already be!). Remember Bregman is at least contemplating coming here, his agent is a master at getting every last penny from whatever team - including creating the illusion that more teams are out there and/or getting more teams involved. As many have said I do hope they have a 'Plan B & C'. I do often wonder, why not get a player coming off a down year, that has a track record and is younger ex Bichette with Toronto. Make a deal and sign him believing he is a talent who had an off year. How else can Detroit, without overpaying, get a position player to come here? We now go back to a potential Bregman deal - and further back to Pudge, Magglio, Prince, etc. all overpaying to get a 'star' position player here. Draft and development is key for sure. Yet, we will have to supplement at times (overpaying?) - is this one of those times.

I 'think' in the case of Bregman there are other intangibles. SHarris has repeatedly said he wants to develop the farm system, young talent and of course keep a real pipeline to the MLB club. I think this is the most important thing for the health of the organization. I have also head Harris say several times he likes the influence of veterans (the right veterans) on how they can help with young players. With Bregman, from what we all hear repeatedly, is that he is a leader, good clubhouse influence, etc. With this said, we know Harris brings in vets for 10 mil, 12 mil, etc. with 'one year' contracts (call it rebound looks for some instances) each year (see Canha, Torres, Boyd, Cobb, etc.). IF Bregman is aboard, he may not be a 30 mil guy in year 4 or 5 - but he may also allow Harris to not 'have to bring in that veteran influence' per say for that say 14-15 mil which it will be at that point. If they can get him on a more front loaded (FL) deal, even if it is for 5 years, (say years 1-3 are FL) it could be a win-win for both sides. I agree to stay away from long term deals. I felt no way would Flaherty get 4-5 years from us - but what they did works, and now he is here. 'IF' the Tigers think Bregman is a 'guy/dude' they want for a variety of reasons- then a 5-6 year deal in this particular case may work. I feel (maybe they do as well) he could be an 'organization' type guy. With all that said being plan 'A' - I hope of course they have a Plan 'B & C' as well. They need a RH INF who can help. This also puts Vierling back to the OF most of the time - where he may be best suited.

I like the thinking. I would also say that the Tigers have looked/asked Alex (Boras) about many ideas... something like this may well be one of them. Nothing to not like. Though if Alex, a one year opt out with Detroit may not make too much sense because of the park - and he would be one year older next FA season. An opt out with Boston or Toronto would make more sense. With said any good GM/staff can see what a particular ballpark might do in that regard - and add to the fact that Alex will be one year older.

Agreed. Yet, 'IF' the Stros sign Bregman, we could still deal for Parades. It does not have to be a LH OF, maybe a prospect or two from pitching depth (or lower minor position players/Ps). Then Houston could turn around and sign someone like Verdugo to be a LH OF (they had been rumored to have contact with him earlier this off season). Then all the while adding some prospect depth (from Detroit) to their depleted system. Just ideas... Parades, though not a great glove, could still help at 3B, put Vierling in the OF. Also, Parades is still quite young as well.

Well said. This is 'not' the 1990s anymore for offensive production.

To clarify this - I meant SHarris would not be signing any FA 'pitcher' to a 5 year deal (which I have stated here before - and I agree with that premise on Pitchers). Yes, he may be open to extending Skubal (however again if healthy I do not see that happening with Boras). Flaherty on the other hand maybe 2-3 years with opt outs (he would be a good fit here again, IMHO). Actually, I would not be totally surprised if the Tigers do have a 4-5 year offer in mind with Bregman. The fact is I do not see them signing any younger FA star position player to a longer term deal anytime soon - that and most position players are not that open to coming here (esp RH hitters). Too many other spots that 'most' might seek. I think because of the A.J. connection - Bregman might come here IF the sides can agree on the terms that might work for both parties.

IMHO, there is no way that SHarris will offer a 5 year contract. 'Maybe' a 2-3 year deal with opt outs?... maybe. That simply is not his MO and I agree with it. A possible exception might be Skubal - but if he stays healthy (a big IF) Skubal/Boras would never agree with it.

I would agree Flaherty on the lower years (2-3 at most) and higher AAV, perhaps with an opt out after year 1 and/or 2. He fits well here. We have a chance to win. No question health is always a concern with any longer deal - esp with Ps. SHarris does not really like long term deals with veterans. His history shows this. With said, he is going to have to advocate some deals at some point (even our own players) or it will always be players on the team of under 6 years experience and 'prove it' 1 year veteran deals (rebounds). Does not seem like a recipe to sustainably win in THIS league (yes, Tampa does defy it some). IMHO that cannot work without an exception here and there.

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!