Ex-Yankees coach predicts Alex Bregman could mirror Juan Soto's Bronx impact for Tigers

Former New York Yankees batting coach Sean Casey believes Alex Bregman could have a similar impact on the Detroit Tigers to the one Juan Soto had in New York.

During Friday's edition of "The Mayor’s Office" podcast, Casey described how a young team like the Tigers could benefit from having an experienced leader like Bregman in their lineup. In particular, Casey highlighted how Soto was the type of player who “elevated” others in the Yankees lineup by showing what it takes to be a successful Big Leaguer.

Casey pointed out how the Tigers, while having a good ball club, need a proven winner like Alex Bregman to impart wisdom to younger players like Spencer Torkelson or Riley Greene.

Sean Casey made his point by saying:

“All of a sudden, you bring a guy like Bregman in, he’s an instant leader, instant experience, instant, ‘hey guys, follow me, this is what it looks like to be a pro.’”

The point underscores how a young team, regardless of how talented it is, needs someone to lead the way. Casey doubled down on his point by saying:

“Even a guy like Soto on the Yankees last year. The way, talking to a lot of those guys with the Yankees, the way he navigated an at-bat, that elevated Judge.”

That sort of impact is what Casey predicts Bregman could bring to Detroit’s lineup. It remains to be seen if the Tigers are willing to do what it takes to bring a player like Alex Bregman to Motown.

Alex Bregman in a good spot as a free agent

Sean Casey reflected on his experience as a free agent, recalling having two good years during the middle of his contract in the early 2000s. However, he had a down year in the final year of his deal, prompting him to sign a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers in 2007.

However, Casey pointed out that Alex Bregman is hardly in the same position. Bregman is coming off a solid season, putting him in a spot to land a lucrative multi-year deal.

Casey drove home his point by saying:

“Bregman has set himself up… if you’re a guy like Bregman who had a nice year, and you have a shot to get a deal, this is what you want. So, he’s going to the highest bidder.”

As it stands, reports suggest that the highest bidder won’t be the Houston Astros. That situation leaves a number of teams, including the Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, who are rumored to be aggressively pursuing Alex Bregman, still in the running to sign him.

According to a USA Today article from Dec. 31, Bregman turned down a $156 million offer from the Astros. As such, it is believed that Bregman is seeking a deal worth at least $200 million in the six-year range.

So, it remains to be seen if the Tigers are willing to meet Bregman’s asking price. There are still about six weeks till camps open, giving Bregman enough time to weigh his options before deciding.