As the Tigers gear up for another challenging offseason, Detroit Sports Addiction has put together a crucial “Offseason Wish List” to guide the team towards a successful upcoming season. There are five key areas that we feel the Tigers need to address to strengthen their roster and make another playoff push in 2025.
Add 2 Starting Pitchers
Address Third Base
Stay tuned over the next several weeks, heading into the Winter Meetings, as we dive into each of these priorities and explore potential free agent solutions that could help propel the Detroit Tigers to a deep playoff run.
Address Third Base
The Detroit Tigers need to solidify their third base position to enhance both offensive and defensive aspects of the game. Here are two potential free agent candidates who could fill this key role:
Alex Bregman
Current Status: UFA, Qualifying Offer Received from Houston
Contract Estimate: 5 years/ $130m ($26m/yr)
2024 Stats: 4.1 WAR, 151 Hits, 26 HR, 75 RBI,.260 BA, .315 OBP, .768 OPS, 118 OPS+
Potential Fit: Starting Third Baseman
Signing Likelihood: Low-Moderate
Bregman’s ties to current Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch could be advantageous during contract negotiations. Bregman would provide solid defense and a much-needed power-hitting right-handed bat to the lineup. Although the Houston Astros have extended a Qualifying Offer to Bregman, which he is likely to decline, the Tigers could make a competitive push to sign him.
Paul DeJonG
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 3 years/$15m ($5m/yr)
2024 Stats: 0.9 WAR, 101 Hits, 24 HR, 56 RBI, .227 BA, .276 OBP, .703 OPS, 97 OPS+
Potential Fit: Platoon Third Base with Jace Jung
Signing Likelihood: Moderate
As a 31-year-old veteran, DeJong fits the profile of a player POBO Scott Harris might target to add experience to the young core. DeJong has had a serviceable career and would bring a right-handed bat with some power to the Tigers’ lineup, making him a suitable candidate for a platoon role at third base.
Willy Adames
Current Status: UFA
Contract Estimate: 6 years/$160m ($26.6m/yr)
2024 Stats: 3.1 WAR, 153 Hits, 32 HR, 112 RBI, .251 BA, .331 OBP, .794 OPS, 118 OPS+
Potential Fit: Starting Third Baseman
Signing Likelihood: Low-Moderate
The contract length and amount for Adames are on the top end of what we might see Scott Harris sign. The length would match that of the Colt Keith contract, but the AAV would be one of the highest Harris has signed. Adames is rumored to be willing to to move from shortstop to third base, making him a solid-right-handed power bat for the Tigers to pursue.
Alec Bohm
Current Status: Arbitration Eligible (Arb 2), Phillies Placed on Trade Block
Contract Estimate: Arbitration 2; $8.1m
2024 Stats: 3.0 WAR, 155 hits, 15 HR, .280 BA, .332 OBP, .779 OPS, 117 OPS+
Potential Fit: Starting Third Baseman, Backup First Baseman
Signing Likelihood: Low
While POBO Scott Harris and the Philadelphia Phillies have a history of transactions, the asking price for Bohm will be a significant factor. With multiple years of team control remaining (doesn’t become UFA until 2027), Bohm would be a substantial addition as the everyday third baseman for the Detroit Tigers. The Phillies need bullpen arms and bench depth; perhaps a trade involving the likes of Ty Madden or Justyn-Henry Malloy could be feasible?
Address the third base position is crucial for the Tigers as they seek to balance their roster with both seasoned and emerging talents. Adding a player like Bregman, DeJong, Adames, or Bohm could provide the needed stability and offensive boost to drive the team forward.