Alex Bregman, who has spent his entire MLB career with the Houston Astros, is one of the top free agents this offseason. According to MLB's Mark Feinsand, four teams have shown significant interest in the talented third baseman: the Astros, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and Detroit Tigers.


The Astros have reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $156 million deal, but he is seeking a contract closer to $200 million. Bregman's teammates, including Jose Altuve, are hopeful he will return to Houston in 2025, prompting the team to make strategic moves to accommodate his potential return.


If the Red Sox decide to sign Bregman, he would likely transition to second base, allowing Rafael Devers to remain at third base. The Yankees' interest in Bregman has intensified following Juan Soto's signing with the New York Mets. Meanwhile, the Tigers are also keen on acquiring Bregman, though his price tag may be a challenge for Detroit.

The Detroit Tigers have announced that third baseman Jace Jung underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right wrist in October. The talented infielder has already begun a hitting program and is anticipated to be fully ready for Spring Training.


Jung is considered the in-house favorite for Detroit’s third base position. The Tigers have frequently been linked to Alex Bregman, largely due to his history with manager A.J. Hinch, but there is no indication the team is willing to commit to a long-term deal of that magnitude. Jung’s minor surgery isn’t expected to impact any potential pursuit of Bregman. Assuming Jung’s recovery goes as planned, he will be competing with Matt Vierling and Andy Ibáñez for playing time at third base.


Selected 12th overall in the MLB draft, Jung made his MLB debut late in the season. He appeared in 34 games, posting a .241/.362/.304 batting line without hitting a home run in 94 plate appearances. In Triple-A, Jung had an impressive season, hitting .257/.377/.454 with 14 home runs and an excellent 16.1% walk rate over 91 games.


With his recovery underway, Jung is on track to be a key contender for the Tigers’ third base job, and his performance in Spring Training will be crucial for his role in the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers have bolstered their pitching rotation by agreeing to a one-year deal with right-hander Alex Cobb, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed, and the deal is pending a physical. Given that the Tigers' 40-man roster is currently full, a corresponding move will need to be made once the signing becomes official.


This move aligns with the Tigers' recent strategy of opting for short-term deals with starting pitchers. Since Scott Harris took over as president of baseball operations in September 2022, the team has favored short-term contracts. Previous offseasons saw one-year deals for Matthew Boyd and Michael Lorenzen, followed by a one-year deal for Jack Flaherty and a two-year pact for Kenta Maeda.


Heading into 2025, there was speculation that the Tigers might adopt a more aggressive approach, especially after a strong second half of the 2024 season that saw them make the playoffs for the first time in a decade. With a promising core of young players and minimal long-term financial commitments, the Tigers seemed poised to target higher-tier or mid-tier rotation options. However, recent reports indicate that the team prefers to continue pursuing high-upside players on shorter contracts.


Alex Cobb, 37, represents a buy-low option for the Tigers due to his recent struggles. He started the year with the Giants, recovering from offseason hip surgery. While it was initially expected that he would return early in the season, shoulder discomfort delayed his debut. Cobb was traded to the Guardians ahead of the trade deadline but ended up missing significant time.


Despite these setbacks, Cobb has shown potential in the past, and the Tigers are betting on his ability to bounce back. If he can regain his form, Cobb could provide valuable depth and experience to Detroit's rotation.

With the signing of Alex Cobb marking their first significant move of the offseason, the Detroit Tigers are now shifting their focus towards bolstering their offense. According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Tigers have expressed interest in seven-time All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who is entering free agency for the first time in his 14-year career.


Although acquiring Goldschmidt may not be the blockbuster move it once was, given his recent performance, his potential contribution should not be underestimated. In 2024, Goldschmidt posted a 100 wRC+ over 154 games and 654 plate appearances with the Cardinals, hitting .245/.302/.414 with 22 home runs. These numbers, while average, marked career lows for Goldschmidt in several key areas, including strikeout, walk, and chase rates.


At 37 years old, it is possible that Goldschmidt is experiencing the inevitable decline that comes with age. However, there are promising signs that he still has valuable contributions to make. Most of Goldschmidt’s struggles were limited to the first half of the season. In the second half, he managed a more respectable .271/.319/.480 slash line over 250 plate appearances. His ability to make solid contact remains strong, with impressive barrel rates and a hard-hit ball rate ranking in the 92nd percentile among all batters.


The Tigers are likely hoping that a change of scenery and a fresh start will help Goldschmidt tap into the form that made him one of the most feared hitters in the league. If Goldschmidt can replicate his second-half performance over a full season, he could provide the offensive boost that Detroit needs.


As the offseason continues, it will be interesting to see if the Tigers can secure Goldschmidt and how this potential addition could shape their lineup for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers are actively seeking to bolster their rotation this offseason, with three potential targets emerging on their radar. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are showing interest in right-handers Walker Buehler and Kyle Gibson, as well as left-hander Andrew Heaney.


Of the three, Walker Buehler stands out as the most prominent name. Despite a challenging, injury-plagued season, Buehler was an ace-caliber pitcher when last healthy in 2021. From 2018-21, Buehler posted a 2.82 ERA and a 3.56 SIERA over 564 innings, with his 14.4 FanGraphs WAR ranking 14th among all pitchers during that period. Now 30 years old and further removed from Tommy John surgery, Buehler is considered a top bounce-back candidate on the free-agent market. His strong postseason performance, which included 10 scoreless innings between the NLCS and the World Series, further bolsters his case.


Given Buehler's high upside, he may seek a longer-term commitment. Initially, MLBTR staff predicted a one-year, $15 million contract for Buehler, but a two-year deal with an opt-out is also a possibility. Petzold suggests that Buehler's desired terms might exceed what the Tigers are willing to offer, as they ideally prefer a one-year deal.


If Buehler proves too costly, Detroit could pivot to Kyle Gibson or Andrew Heaney. Gibson appears more likely to sign a one-year contract. Both Gibson and Heaney were listed on MLBTR's Top 50 Free Agents: Heaney at No. 25 and Gibson at No. 41. The staff predicted a two-year, $24 million deal for Heaney and a one-year, $13 million deal for Gibson. Gibson's slightly higher AAV prediction reflects his longer track record of success, though at 37 years old, he's unlikely to secure a multi-year deal. Heaney, who turns 34 next June, could feasibly land a two-year commitment, especially given the favorable market for mid-tier starting pitchers.


With the likes of Luis Severino, Yusei Kikuchi, Frankie Montas, and Matthew Boyd all signing for more guaranteed money than predicted, the Tigers will need to navigate the market carefully to land the right pitching upgrades for the upcoming season.

The Detroit Tigers have expressed interest in infielder Ha-Seong Kim, as reported by Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press during a recent appearance on the "Days Of Roar" podcast. Alongside the Tigers, the Blue Jays, Giants, and Kim’s former team, the Padres, have all been linked to the free agent this offseason. However, the Giants' recent signing of Willy Adames may take them out of the running for Kim.


Evaluating Kim in the 2024-25 free agent class presents challenges due to his recent shoulder surgery in late September. This procedure will sideline Kim for the start of the 2025 season, although the exact timeline for his return remains uncertain. While agent Scott Boras has indicated that a late-April return is possible, Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has suggested a broader window, ranging from May to July.


Despite the uncertainty surrounding Kim's health, some teams are still considering multi-year contracts for the infielder. The specifics of these offers are unclear, but a two-year deal with a player opt-out after 2025 seems plausible. Alternatively, Kim and Boras might prefer a one-year contract, allowing Kim to quickly re-enter the market next winter with a healthier and more productive season under his belt. MLBTR has projected a one-year, $12 million contract for Kim, aligning with this strategy.


A shorter-term contract could be particularly appealing to the Tigers, who are reportedly interested in similar deals for starting pitchers. Coming off a wild card berth and an ALDS appearance, Detroit is expected to be more aggressive in upgrading their roster. While the Tigers' offseason has been relatively quiet, rumors of interest in players like Jack Flaherty or Alex Bregman suggest that moves are on the horizon.


Securing Kim would provide the Tigers with valuable infield depth and versatility, enhancing their chances of building on their recent successes.

As the Detroit Tigers look to capitalize on their strong finish to the 2024 season, which saw them reach the ALDS, the team is gearing up for a busy offseason. According to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic, the Tigers are expected to target at least one starting pitcher this winter. However, the team aims to focus on short-term additions, preferring pitchers who can be secured on one- or two-year contracts.


Stavenhagen also notes that the Tigers might be hesitant to sign pitchers who received a Qualifying Offer, due to the associated loss of draft capital. This cautious approach doesn't completely rule out higher-tier options, though. In fact, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon report that the Tigers have shown some interest in a reunion with right-hander Jack Flaherty.


The early free agent market has seen significant movement, especially with pitchers who aren't tied to draft pick compensation. Notable deals include Blake Snell's substantial five-year contract with the Dodgers and the Angels' one-year signing of Kyle Hendricks. Flaherty, who joined the Tigers last winter and had a strong half-season with Detroit before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, remains one of the top pitchers available who isn't attached to draft pick compensation.


Flaherty's performance with the Tigers was noteworthy, and his potential return could provide much-needed depth and stability to Detroit's rotation. As the Tigers navigate the free agent market, their strategy of seeking impactful yet short-term additions reflects their desire to build on their recent success without compromising future flexibility.


With these moves, the Tigers are positioning themselves for another competitive season, and fans can look forward to seeing how the team's roster shapes up in the coming months.

The Detroit Tigers have made strategic moves to bolster their roster by re-signing right-hander Wilmer Flores and infielder/outfielder Eddys Leonard to minor league deals. According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Flores is set to earn $1MM if he makes it to the majors, while Leonard would receive the league minimum of $760K.

Both Flores and Leonard were previously part of the Tigers' 40-man roster but have yet to make their major league debuts. Their paths have been marred by injuries, leading to their non-tendering last month. This decision sent them into free agency without being exposed to waivers, but they have now returned to the Tigers in a non-roster capacity.

Wilmer Flores, who should not be confused with his older brother of the same name, is a right-handed pitcher who will turn 24 in February. He made a strong impression as a starting pitcher while climbing the minor league ranks, which earned him a spot on the 40-man roster to shield him from the Rule 5 draft. Despite his promising performance early on, his velocity dropped towards the end of the 2023 season, resulting in struggles.

In 2024, Flores transitioned to a primary relief role but faced challenges. He was sidelined for over three months due to a shoulder injury and had a rough stint when he was active. Over 25 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level, Flores posted an 8.53 ERA, with an 18% strikeout rate and an alarming 18.8% walk rate.

Eddys Leonard, formerly a Dodgers prospect, joined the Tigers after being designated for assignment in 2023 and subsequently traded for cash. Injuries plagued Leonard's season, with a left oblique strain and a right hamstring strain limiting his play. He participated in just 67 Triple-A games, hitting .263/.326/.455, which equated to a 101 wRC+. He has now exhausted his final option year.

​By bringing back Flores and Leonard, the Tigers aim to leverage their potential and provide depth to their roster. Both players will look to rebound from their injury-ridden seasons and make an impact in the upcoming year.

The Detroit Tigers have signed right-handed pitcher Ricky Vanasco to a minor league contract, according to MLB.com's transaction tracker. The 26-year-old, represented by Full Circle Sports Management, has been assigned to Triple-A Toledo and is expected to receive an invitation to major league spring training.

Vanasco's Journey in 2024
Vanasco concluded the 2024 season with the Tigers after being acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a cash deal in July. Although he spent most of his time in the minors, he made two major league appearances for Detroit. Following a non-tender decision last week, Vanasco became a free agent but was quickly re-signed by the Tigers without being exposed to waivers.

Early Career and Injury Challenges
Drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2017, Vanasco showed promise in the lower minors, earning a ranking as the #12 prospect in the organization by Baseball America heading into 2020. However, his career faced a setback when he underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2020, causing him to miss the entire 2021 season. To protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, the Rangers added him to their 40-man roster in November 2021.

Return to Form
Vanasco returned to the mound in 2022, making 23 starts across High-A and Double-A levels. He posted a 4.68 ERA over 92 1/3 innings with a strong 28.9% strikeout rate, though his 12.7% walk rate remained high. Knee surgery in 2023 limited his playing time, but he transitioned to a relief role and achieved a 2.78 ERA over 32 1/3 innings, striking out 31.9% of batters with a 9.9% walk rate. Midway through that season, he was acquired by the Dodgers.


​Major League Experience
In 2024, Vanasco made a total of four major league appearances, split between the Dodgers and Tigers. He spent the majority of the season in Triple-A, where he recorded a 2.45 ERA over 40 1/3 innings, with a 26.4% strikeout rate and a notably high 16.5% walk rate.

The Detroit Tigers have made a strategic move to strengthen their bullpen by claiming left-handed reliever Bailey Horn from the Boston Red Sox. This announcement came from the Red Sox, who had not previously disclosed a designation for assignment (DFA) for Horn, thus bringing their 40-man roster count down to 39.

Bailey Horn's Professional Journey
Bailey Horn, a product of Auburn University, has had a nomadic career in professional baseball. Initially drafted by the Chicago White Sox, he was later traded to the Cubs, then back to the White Sox, and eventually landed with the Boston Red Sox. The 26-year-old southpaw made his major league debut this year, appearing in 18 games. Over 18 innings, Horn allowed 14 runs (13 earned), recorded 13 strikeouts, walked 10 batters, and surrendered five home runs.

Challenges and Potential
Horn's primary challenge throughout his career has been control. He has walked nearly 13% of batters faced over four seasons in the minors, which is a high rate even for a middle reliever. Despite these control issues, several teams have shown interest in Horn due to his raw pitching talent. He averaged 95 MPH on his fastball during his time in the big leagues, showcasing the kind of power that can be a valuable asset if harnessed correctly.

Future Prospects with the Tigers
With a couple of option seasons remaining, the Tigers have time to work on refining Horn's control. If they can successfully manage his command issues, Horn could become a significant contributor to their bullpen. His addition provides the Tigers with a potential high-upside arm that can deliver solid performances when at his best.

​As the Tigers prepare for the upcoming season, Horn's development will be a key focus. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the team manages his transition and whether he can overcome his control challenges to realize his full potential.

The Detroit Tigers are reportedly in the market for a big-name addition this offseason and have set their sights on free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. According to MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, in an article for the New York Post, the Tigers have expressed serious interest in Bregman, who has spent his entire Major League career with the Houston Astros.

The Astros, eager to retain their star infielder, have already submitted a contract offer to re-sign Bregman. Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox have also entered the fray, having inquired about Bregman's availability. The Red Sox see him as a potential fit at third base, provided they move Rafael Devers to first base.

For Bregman, a move to Detroit would mean reuniting with his former manager, A.J. Hinch. Hinch, now at the helm of the Tigers, was the manager of the Astros when Bregman and the team secured their first World Series title in 2017. The reunion could bring a sense of familiarity and renewed success for both parties.

Bregman, a two-time All-Star known for his consistent offensive production and solid defense, would be a significant addition to any team. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Bregman's decision and the ripple effects it could have on the teams involved.

​Stay tuned for more updates as the hot stove heats up and teams maneuver to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. The potential landing spots for Bregman will be a key storyline to watch in the weeks ahead.

The Detroit Tigers' storied history of award-winning pitchers has a new addition: Tarik Skubal. The dominant left-hander capped his exceptional pitching Triple Crown season by winning the American League Cy Young Award in a unanimous vote from the Baseball Writers' Association of America.

Skubal follows in the footsteps of Justin Verlander, the last Tigers pitcher to achieve a pitching Triple Crown season and win the Cy Young Award back in 2011. Like Verlander, Skubal received all 30 first-place votes, highlighting his standout performance throughout the season.

"It's pretty special," Skubal shared with MLB Network. "All the hard work, all that goes on behind the scenes, moments like this make it all worth it."

This accolade marks a fitting end to a historic season for Skubal. As the Tigers fought their way to their first playoff berth in a decade with their mantra of "pitching chaos," Skubal emerged as the cornerstone of their pitching staff. In some stretches, he was essentially the entire rotation, sometimes serving as the only traditional starter, other times paired with rookie Keider Montero.

"We wouldn't be here without him," teammate Riley Greene said during the AL Division Series. "I get it's a team game, but he's been incredible. I'm so proud of him. He had one of the greatest years I've ever seen. He's played a big role on this team, been a leader since Day 1. I just can't say enough about him. He's awesome."

Skubal's performance was indeed remarkable. He secured 18 wins, the most by a Tigers pitcher since Max Scherzer in 2014. His 2.39 ERA was the lowest by a qualified Detroit starter since Mark Fidrych’s incredible rookie season in 1976. With a 5.9 fWAR, Skubal trailed only Verlander’s 2009 and 2010 seasons as the best by a Tigers pitcher in his age-27 season or younger since 1971. Additionally, his 6.3 bWAR not only led all MLB pitchers but also ranked seventh among all AL players.

Skubal consistently held opponents to two runs or fewer in 24 of his 31 starts and managed to pitch at least six innings in 21 of those games. He was instrumental during the Tigers’ critical stretch-run, securing pivotal 2-1 victories with eight innings of one-run ball against the Red Sox on August 31 and seven scoreless innings against the Rays on September 24.

​Tarik Skubal’s Cy Young Award is a testament to his extraordinary talent, hard work, and resilience. As he continues to build on this success, he firmly establishes himself as a key figure in the Tigers' illustrious legacy of pitching excellence.

The Detroit Tigers have made several significant roster moves, designating infielder Eddys Leonard and relievers Ricky Vanasco and Brendan White for assignment. To fill their spots, the Tigers have added right-handers Chase Lee, Tyler Mattison, and Tyler Owens to the 40-man roster, thereby protecting them from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft. With these changes, the Tigers' roster now stands at 37 players.

Eddys Leonard, 24, has been with the Tigers since being acquired from the Dodgers in August 2023. This year, he posted a .253/.320/.435 batting line across three minor league levels, though he has yet to make his major league debut.

Ricky Vanasco also joined the Tigers through a trade with the Dodgers, arriving in July. He has pitched two scoreless innings at the major league level and has four career appearances.

Brendan White, who turned 26 recently, recorded a 5.03 ERA over 40 2/3 innings as a rookie in 2023 but spent most of this season on the minor league injured list.

Chase Lee, 26, was acquired from the Rangers in the Andrew Chafin trade at this year's deadline. The Alabama product posted a 2.75 ERA over 36 innings between the two organizations, with a 30% strikeout rate and a 6.8% walk rate.

Tyler Mattison, 25, has shown excellent strikeout potential, fanning nearly 38% of hitters while posting a 2.41 ERA over 59 2/3 innings between High-A West Michigan and Double-A Erie. His performance has demonstrated enough promise to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.

​Tyler Owens, who turns 24 in January, has been traded twice since being drafted in the 13th round in 2021. After starting with Atlanta, he moved to the Rangers and then to Detroit as part of the Carson Kelly deadline deal. Owens recorded a 2.96 ERA and struck out over 25% of opponents in Double-A this year.

The Tigers announced they have designated T.J. Hopkins, one day after signing him.  He was designated because the team signed Gio Urshula earlier in the day.

It is hard to believe Hopkins won't be on the 40 man roster after all is said and done.

The Tigers announced the signing of INF Gio Urshela via Twitter today, a deal with $1.5 Million for 1 year.

Urshela is in his 8th MLB Season, playing for the Guardians, Blue Jays, Yankees, Twins and Angels before joining Detroit.
Lifetime, he is .277 batter with 64 HR and 280 RBI.

Per a tweet from the club, the Tigers have claimed T.J. Hopkins from the Giants, and to make room on the 40-man roster, they have assigned Kolton Ingram for assignment.

Hopkins has appeared in 25 MLB games with Cincy last year.