Tigers get bad news on Alex Bregman amid $175 million Cubs contract

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Jan 10, 2026 - 23:19

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Tigers get bad news on Alex Bregman amid $175 million Cubs contract originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This offseason, the Detroit Tigers are not showing an indication of being a big spender. But, with Tarik Skubal trade rumors and a postseason appearance in 2025, a big move couldn't be written off just yet.

One player made the most sense as a fit, and it's Boston Red Sox free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman. There had been trade speculation during the regular season, and this winter, a fit made a lot of sense.

However, the report from ESPN's Jeff Passan completely shut down any such hope, as Bregman and the Chicago Cubs reportedly agreed to a contract worth $175 million over five seasons.

Tigers get bad news on Alex Bregman amid Cubs deal

Bregman joining the Cubs is the final nail in the coffin for their chances of a big free agent swing this winter. While they could explore other options, Bregman was the player who made the most sense, by far.

His connection with A.J. Hinch, combined with his position being a clear upgrade over Zack McKinstry at third base, and the Tigers easily could've justified spending big on Bregman.

But the Cubs swooped in, surprisingly beating the Red Sox, to sign away the top infielder left on the free agent market.

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A five-year, $175 million deal is not cheap, and while the Tigers might not have wanted to hand out such a lavish AAV of $35 million, they could have tried to make something work.

But they didn't, and now Bregman is joining a central club, just not the Tigers. It's a missed opportunity, especially with the lack of other strong options for the Tigers this winter.

Bo Bichette likely isn't a fit, and the Tigers shouldn't overpay to upgrade from McKinstry. Detroit might pivot to some other options, but for now, the best fit on the market is now gone, with Bregman signing with the Cubs.