MLB Rumors: Alex Bregman Still Interests Tigers After Jack Flaherty Contract
Feb 3, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros bats during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on September 27, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers are expected to remain active in free agency.
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers are "still interested" in signing third baseman Alex Bregman after adding starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.
ESPN's Buster Olney previously listed Detroit as one of the teams pursuing Bregman.
On Sunday, the Tigers brought back Flaherty on a two-year, $35 million contract that includes an opt-out after the 2025 season.
The right-hander opened his 2024 campaign on the Tigers, compiling a 7-5 record to go along with a 2.95 ERA and 0.956 WHIP in 18 starts before he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the season.
As for Bregman, the two-time All-Star is still a free agent after spending the first nine years of his career with the Houston Astros.
There doesn't appear to be a shortage of interest in the 30-year-old. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported on Jan. 24 that the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox were among Bregman's potential suitors and the Astros had interest in a return as well.
Houston previously offered the two-time champion a six-year deal worth roughly $156 million that he declined, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Bregman is "believed" to be searching for a contract closer to $200 million, via McTaggart.
He's coming off a 2024 season with the Astros in which he hit .260 with 26 home runs, 30 doubles and 75 RBIs. Bregman posted a career-low .768 OPS, though.
Alex Bregman has now homered in FOUR straight games 💪
The Tigers haven't handed out any long-term contracts in free agency as they've pursued Bregman. They signed starter Alex Cobb and second baseman Gleyber Torres to one-year deals on Dec. 10 and Dec. 27, respectively.
As Detroit attempts to build upon its 2024 American League Division Series appearance, the signing of Flaherty doesn't appear to have impacted the team's desire to add Bregman.
Report: Jack Flaherty, Tigers Agree to 2-Year, $35M Contract After Dodgers Stint
Feb 3, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 8: Jack Flaherty #0 of the Los Angeles Dodgers makes a throw to first base while playing the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium on September 8, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images)
After spending the second half of the 2024 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, starting pitcher Jack Flaherty is heading back to his former team.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Flaherty agreed to a two-year, $35 million contract with the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.
Jack Flaherty's deal will pay him $25 million this year, after which he can opt out. The guaranteed salary in 2026 is $10 million, and it can get as high as $20 million if he starts 15 games this season. Flaherty found a lot of success with the Tigers last year and now he's back.
This will be the fifth time Flaherty has changed teams in the last three years, as he was sent from the St. Louis Cardinals to the Baltimore Orioles at the 2023 trade deadline before signing with the Tigers last offseason and being sent to the Dodgers at the 2024 deadline.
Between the Tigers and Dodgers this past season, Flaherty had a collective 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP and 194 strikeouts. His 2.95 ERA in 18 starts in Detroit made him one of the most coveted players in the league as the trade deadline approached. He then went 6-2 in Los Angeles during the regular season before going 1-2 in the playoffs as the team won the World Series by defeating the New York Yankees in five games.
Flaherty began his major league career with the Cardinals in 2017 and developed into a key member of their rotation. He was named St. Louis' Opening-Day starter for the 2020 and 2021 seasons. He recorded a sub-3.35 ERA in three out of his six-plus seasons in St. Louis.
Flaherty is joining a Tigers rotation that also includes Skubal and Reese Olson. He will be a key member of the team's push for the postseason in 2025.
Alex Bregman Rumors: Tigers Contract Talks at 'Standstill' Ahead of Spring Training
Jan 21, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros warms up prior to playing the Detroit Tigers in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers reportedly haven't made headway on signing former Houston Astros third baseman Alex Bregman.
Per the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, the Tigers "remain interested" in Bregman, "but negotiations are at a standstill with less than one month until the first full-squad workout in spring training."
Bregman reportedly rejected the Astros' six-year deal worth around $156 million and is believed to be seeking a deal closer to $200 million. Since turning down Houston's offer, he has been "courted by" the Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays, according to Petzold.
Petzold reported in December that while there was mutual interest between Bregman and the Tigers, "there is a gap in perceived value." Detroit "refuses" to pay $200 million while Bregman "refuses" to sign a short-term deal.
Petzold also noted that the two sides have made "notable progress" since the beginning of the offseason.
Bregman's agent, Scott Boras, told USA Today's Bob Nightengalethat Bregman has received "substantial interest" in a long-term deal.
"Bregman's a championship player, teams know it,'' Boras said. "It's really a matter of his decision-making and theirs, about how you can close up that gap. There's substantial interest (in long-term) deals.''
Bregman, 30, slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 2024. The two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is one of the best free agents left on the market and would be a major addition to the Tigers' infield, which added Gleyber Torres earlier this offseason.
Detroit made the postseason for the first time since 2024 last season, beating the Astros in the wild-card round before falling to the Cleveland Guardians in the ALDS. While the Tigers have the talent to make another postseason run next year, adding Bregman could be the difference in emerging as a World Series contender.
MLB News: Cy Young Winner Tarik Skubal, Tigers Reportedly Agree to $10.15M Contract
Jan 9, 2025
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 12: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers looks on during the fifth inning in Game Five of the Division Series against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on October 12, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
After winning the 2025 AL Cy Young Award, Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal is cashing in with a nice payday.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, Skubal and the Tigers agreed to a one-year, $10.15 million contract on Thursday to avoid arbitration. The deal is a solid bump from the $2.65 million he made in 2024.
Skubal will be arbitration-eligible for one more season before becoming a free agent after the 2026 season. The Tigers and the other 29 MLB teams had until 1 p.m. ET on Thursday to agree to deals with their arbitration-eligible players to avoid having to schedule a hearing and exchange salary figures.
In his first full year of being recovered from flexor tendon surgery that cost him portions of the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Skubal emerged as one of the best pitchers in the majors. The 28-year-old left-hander went 18-4 with a 2.39 ERA and 228 strikeouts across 31 starts to achieve the AL pitching Triple Crown. He was unanimously voted the Cy Young Award winner, receiving all 30 votes.
Skubal's stellar season helped the Tigers finish with an 86-76 record and earn their first playoff berth since 2014. Detroit swept the Houston Astros in the AL Wild Card Series before falling to the Cleveland Guardians in five games in the Division Series. Skubal carried his brilliance into the postseason, going 1-1 with a 2.37 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 19.0 innings pitched.
By avoiding arbitration with Skubal, the Tigers are retaining one of the rising stars in MLB at a relatively affordable contract. Detroit will need to add talent around him if it hopes to make a deeper playoff run in 2025.
MLB Rumors: Tigers 'All-In' on Alex Bregman; 'Gap' Exists in Contract Talks
Dec 30, 2024
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Alex Bregman #2 of the Houston Astros warms up prior to playing the Detroit Tigers in Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers are reportedly pushing hard for a talented free agent this offseason.
Per the Detroit Free Press' Evan Petzold, the Tigers are "all-in" on third baseman Alex Bregman. Petzold noted that both sides are engaged in conversations "but there has been a gap in value as Bregman's market narrows."
While it's unclear what the Tigers have offered Bregman and what he's searching for from them, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reported earlier in December that Bregman turned down the Houston Astros' offer of roughly $156 million over six years.
The Astros ended up acquiring prospect Cam Smith and Isaac Paredes, who can both play third base, in the Kyle Tucker trade—potentially closing the door on re-signing Bregman.
Amid the Tigers' interest in the two-time All-Star, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported that the Boston Red Sox are also eyeing Bregman.
The longtime Astros star slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI in 145 games last year. It was the most homers for him since 2019 when he totaled a career-high 41. If he can bring that kind of offensive production with him to a new team, he'll be well worth whatever price tag he comes with.
The Tigers reached the playoffs for the first time since 2014 last season, taking down Bregman's Astros in the wild-card series to advance to the American League Division Series, where they fell to the Cleveland Guardians in five games.
The young roster turned heads as it went 86-76 to sneak into the postseason, and adding a proven veteran like Bregman, a two-time World Series winner, could help them get to the next level.
First, the Tigers will have to attempt to close the financial gap between Bregman and themselves.
Riley Greene, Tigers Win ALDS Game 3 vs. Guardians as MLB Fans Hype ALCS Chances
Oct 9, 2024
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 09: Riley Greene #31 of the Detroit Tigers hits an RBI single in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Three of the Division Series at Comerica Park on October 09, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
On August 11, the 55-63 Detroit Tigers sat 10 games outside a playoff spot with a 0.2 percent percent chance to make the postseason, per FanGraphs.
Now Detroit is one win away from taking down the American League Championship Series berth after defeating the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 on Wednesday.
Detroit scratched out a run in the first, third and sixth innings in Game 3 of the AL Division Series, which the team now leads two games to one.
Riley Greene's RBI single scored Parker Meadows in the first. Matt Vierling's sacrifice fly plated Jake Rogers in the third. And Spencer Torkelson's RBI double in the sixth drove home Colt Keith.
Six Tiger pitchers combined for the shutout in a bullpen game, striking out six while scattering six hits and two walks. Brant Hurter got the win, throwing for 3.1 innings after coming in for opener Keider Montero in the second inning. Tyler Holton earned the save for the Tigers, who have now held Cleveland scoreless for 20 straight innings.
Detroit finished the season 31-13 in its last 44 games, including a 15-3 stretch in September. The Tigers then visited Houston and swept the AL West champion Astros two games to zero.
Now Detroit is one victory away from beating the AL Central champions, and fans and analysts noted the potential of an ALCS berth and the team's incredible journey.
The 2024 Detroit Tigers are one win away from the ALCS.
-THE GRITTY TIGS ARE ONE WIN AWAY FROM THE ALCS! -Pitching chaos was amazing once again! 6 pitchers blank the Fraud-ians -Riley Greene jumped Cobb in the first inning -Tork RBI double, Matty V RBI sacrifice fly -Largest postseason crowd ever in Detroit!
Tigers win 3-0 and are 1 game away from the ALCS! The amazing run continues! Cleveland has not scored in 20 innings at the plate! What more can be said for Pitching Chaos and this masterclass mound mastery! Everyone feels on the same page. This is just a Beautiful Thing! pic.twitter.com/Ia6L0oo2Yw
The Tigers just put together a nearly perfect performance to pull within one game of the ALCS. The crowd was incredible, and they leave happy after the first playoff game at Comerica in 10 years.
The Detroit Tigers are 1 win away from the ALCS…. A team that had a 0.2% chance at the playoffs beginning of August. I will keep saying they’re a team of destiny
Game 4 will go down in Detroit on Thursday at 6:08 p.m. ET.
Kerry Carpenter's Clutch HR Off Clase Stuns MLB Fans as Tigers Win G2 vs. Guardians
Oct 7, 2024
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 07: Kerry Carpenter #30 of the Detroit Tigers celebrates after hitting a home run in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians during Game Two of the Division Series at Progressive Field on October 07, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Detroit Tigers evened the American League Division Series with a 3-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday.
It was a pitcher's duel for most of the game with neither team getting on the board through eight innings, but that changed in the top of the ninth.
With two outs, Detroit catcher Jake Rodgers hit a single to left field to get on base and Trey Sweeney sent him to third with a single of his own. Kerry Carpenter delivered as the hero, hitting a three-run homer off of Emmanuel Clase to right field to give the Tigers a three-run cushion.
Kerry Carpenter's go-ahead 3-run HR is Tigers' first go-ahead HR in 9th inning or later in a postseason game since Magglio Ordonez sent them to World Series in 2006 with his walkoff HR in ALCS.
Before Monday's matchup, Clase had allowed just five runs and two homers in 74.2 innings this season. He had also never given up a three-run homer in his entire career. That didn't matter for Carpenter as he gave Detroit its first postseason win since 2013.
After getting the win in Game 2, the Tigers will head back to the Motor City and Comerica Park, where they will look to get one step closer to keeping their magical season alive.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 02: Josh Hader #71 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the eighth inning during Game Two of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 02, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Wednesday's American League wild-card matchup between the Detroit Tigers and Houston Astros was a prime example that money doesn't always equal wins.
The Tigers' entire 26-man wild-card roster has a combined salary of $18.8 million, which is less than the sole salary of Astros reliever Josh Hader, who makes $19 million a year.
Kenta Maeda's $14 million takes up the bulk of the Tigers' payroll and just three other players make more than $1 million annually, per Spotrac.
Despite the payroll disparity, Detroit downed Houston 5-2 on Wednesday to advance to the American League Division Series. Hader pitched 1.1 innings, allowing three hits, an earned run and a walk.
The Tigers had a miraculous finish to the regular season, winning 15 of their last 21 games to ensure a spot in the postseason. The playoff berth marked their first since 2014 when they won the AL Central and reached the divisional series.
After winning its wild-card series against the Astros, Detroit will now take on the No. 2-seeded Cleveland Guardians in the divisional series.
While Cleveland has been one of the best teams in the American League this season, there's no denying the momentum the Tigers have, and they'll look to continue their magical run on Saturday.
Tigers' Tarik Skubal Hailed by MLB Fans for Beating José Altuve, Astros in Game 1
Oct 1, 2024
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers walks off the field after the second inning against the Houston Astros during Game One of the Wild Card Series at Minute Maid Park on October 01, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
The Houston Astros persevered and overcame a brutal start to become division champions. Now, they're already on the brink of elimination from the 2024 MLB playoffs.
Houston fell 3-1 to the Detroit Tigers in Game 1 of the best-of-three American League Wild Card Series.
In the bottom of the ninth and having scored one run, the Astros got runners on second and third with one out. First baseman Victor Caratini lined out to Tigers left fielder Riley Greene. After giving up a walk, Tigers reliever Beau Brieske watched Jason Heyward make great contact but hit a liner right at first baseman Spencer Torkelson.
All of Detroit's runs came on three straight singles in the second inning. Catcher Jake Rogers got things started before shortstop Trey Sweeney and third baseman Matt Vierling followed suit.
That was more than enough offensive support for Tigers ace Tarik Skubal. The left-hander held the Astros to four hits and struck out six over six innings.
Sometimes, baseball can be a simple game. Throw a starting pitcher with filthy stuff out there and watch him work. The rest will take care of itself.
We're only one game into the postseason so it's too early to begin crafting narratives. But Skubal, the presumptive AL Cy Young winner, could be embarking on an October to remember.
Wrote this in early March 2020, good to see Tarik Skubal is ahead of schedule. He's clearly exceeded this prediction. He's as good as any pitcher in baseball right now.https://t.co/8WR5IelO5jpic.twitter.com/zzHbvUKGrR
Houston's star quartet of Jose Altuve, Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Alex Bregman combined to go 5-of-16, which isn't a terrible collective output. But only one of those hits went for extra bases.
By the time the Astros offense started clicking, it was too late to make a difference on the outcome.
The series resumes Tuesday at 2:32 p.m. ET. All three games are in Houston, so the Astros would host a winner-take-all Game 3. The momentum could shift dramatically if the home team responds with a victory in Game 2.
Houston's hitters will also feel a little more confident knowing it has seen the last of Skubal this season one way or the other.
