Gleyber Torres returning to the Detroit Tigers for 2026 only heightens the urgency for Scott Harris to pursue Alex Bregman. The star third baseman remains firmly in his prime and represents exactly the kind of cornerstone the franchise needs.
Over the past several seasons, Detroit has rotated Zack McKinstry, Andy Ibáñez, and Matt Vierling through third base. While insiders now predict the Tigers as the frontrunners to land Bregman, the comparison isn’t close. McKinstry may have produced a strong campaign—earning both his first All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger in 2025—but Bregman is still the superior long-term fit. The position has been unstable for years, and the Tigers desperately need a permanent solution.
Bregman wrapped up the season with a .273/.360/.462 line and an .821 OPS. At 31, he was nearly a Tiger last offseason before Boston swooped in late with a sweeter deal. Now, he’s aiming for a five- or six-year contract in the $160 million range. After signing a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox and opting out, Detroit already has a clear picture of what Bregman’s market looks like.
But signing Bregman would do more than patch up the offense. With Tarik Skubal’s future uncertain, the coming season has enormous weight. The two-time Cy Young winner needs real run support—something Detroit lacked badly in the ALDS. Skubal simply cannot be expected to pitch flawless baseball every outing just to hold onto narrow leads.
An aggressive approach this offseason could also influence Skubal’s decision next year in free agency. During the postseason, the Tigers averaged only 2.25 runs per game when he was on the mound—an unacceptable figure for a contender. Even if Skubal wants to stay long-term, the organization’s reluctance to spend could ultimately push him toward a big-budget competitor.
Torres’ return also highlights Harris’s shortcomings at the trade deadline. His failure to acquire additional bats cost Detroit dearly in October. Torres was a strong offseason pickup, but he struggled in the postseason with a .235/.316/.382 line—injury-related or not. His leadership is valuable for a young roster, but without more offensive firepower surrounding him, the lineup remains limited. The qualifying offer Detroit extended was the bare minimum to boost the offense.
If there’s one universal truth about October baseball, it’s that elite players rise to the moment. Bregman’s 2025 postseason showing was brief—just three games—but his history of clutch performances speaks for itself. If the Tigers want a legitimate shot at a championship, serious spending is non-negotiable, and Bregman is one of the major answers.
Most true contenders rely on experienced veterans to anchor their lineups. Teams like the Yankees, Dodgers, and Phillies each have players who know the pressure of October and have competed for titles. Since joining the Tigers front office, Harris has yet to make a franchise-altering acquisition or blockbuster trade. Bringing Bregman to Detroit could reshape his legacy and give the Tigers their most realistic chance at a World Series run in years.
