MLB Insider breaks down why Tigers’ GM Scott Harris prefers youth over big spending on players like Alex Bregman

Alex Bregman could be a great fit for the Detroit Tigers. He is a star who could greatly help this club continue to push forward after making a ton of noise during the 2024 season.

Last season for the Houston Astros, Bregman started 145 games, hitting .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs and 75 runs batted in. He was a huge reason for Houston making it into the postseason.

However, Bregman would cost Detroit a good chunk of change. He is one of the top free agents still on the board, and MLB insider Ken Rosenthal does not see the club writing the check.

"Scott Harris, since he has taken over as GM, I believe his biggest contract for a free agent is $24 million, something like that. It is low. And the signings they have had so far, both one-year, $15 million," said Rosenthal.

Detroit's President of Baseball Operations, Scott Harris, has not been a big spender since taking over the position in 2022. However, that is not the only force in the front office that is not a big spender.

"Their owner, Chris Illitch, the son of Mike Illitch, does not operate the way Mike Illitch once did. Mike Illitch would spend and spend big. It's almost comprable to the Yankees with Hal Steinbrenner," said Rosenthal.

Ken Rosenthal wants to see the Tigers go all-in on Alex Bregman

Detroit Tigers FA Option - Alex Bregman (Photo via IMAGN)

One thing that the Tigers could use for the 2025 season is another quality bat. While they have exciting pieces in the lineup, they felt like they were one piece away from really doing damage last season.

As the club tried to push their younger stars, Ken Rosenthal wants to see them go all-in on Alex Bregman. He would do some serious damage in a division that seems to be pretty open in 2025.

"To me, signing Alex Bregman, it kind of stabalizes the whole thing, I just don't expect them to do that," said Rosenthal.

Signing Bregman would not be a big roadblock for the younger players. They have the option to move some guys around, still give them at-bats and be a competitive club.

It will be interesting to see what Detroit does for the rest of this offseason to prepare themselves for the upcoming season. Will they bite the bullet and sign Bregman or is there another player they have their eye on?