Tigers trade pitch fixes biggest need with $120 million two-time World Series champion

There were rumors during the offseason that the Detroit Tigers would be interested in superstar Alex Bregman. Some suggested that the Tigers had an offer out for him, but he decided to sign with the Boston Red Sox. 

The Red Sox, who have been one of the more average teams in Major League Baseball, sit at 40-40 after another disappointing loss on Monday night to the Los Angeles Angels. 

While the Red Sox’s front office has suggested that they don't plan to sell right now, despite moving on from Rafael Devers, some have pondered the idea of potentially trading Bregman. 

If that happens, the Tigers should be all in on him, as he has the opportunity to hit free agency once again in the offseason, and he wouldn't be a long-term contract they have to take on. 

When considering potential landing spots for him, ESPN proposed the trade idea of the Tigers acquiring the superstar third baseman, but added that if he decides to opt into his deal and teams understand that, it could limit his potential destinations. 

“Bregman has been an elite big league hitter since he entered the league in 2016 but has leaned more into power this year, with his highest isolated power since 2019. Most of his underlying power indicators (barrel rate, maximum exit velo, average launch angle and hard hit rate) are at career highs. His $40 million salary -- and the chance to opt into two more years at $40 million annually -- significantly shortens the list of teams that would take on his deal,” they wrote.

Ultimately, the Tigers have an opportunity to win a World Series right now, and being cheap is the last thing they need to do. 

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Bregman has dealt with some injuries throughout the year and hasn't played since May 23, but he’s expected to return sometime soon. 

Prior to going down, he was hitting .299 with 11 home runs, 35 RBIs, and a 159 OPS+.