"What Juan Soto did, everybody is kind of scared" - Ex-MLB pro gives major prediction for Alex Bregman amid free agency turmoil

It has been an exicting offseason so far with a number of MLB superstars already signing with teams, however, Alex Bregman remains on the outside looking in. The two-time All-Star is one of the biggest names remaining on the open market, and even though he has been linked to a number of different clubs, he hasn't signed a new contract yet.

A two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, Alex Bregman is still an elite athlete and presence at the plate. Even though he is now in this 30s, Bregman is still an impactful star in the MLB after posting a .260 batting average with 26 home runs and 75 RBIs last season.

The Gold Glove-winning third baseman has proven that he can not only impact the game on offense but on defense as well. While Bregman is arguably the top name remaining in free agency, former New York Mets infielder Carlos Baerga shared his opinion on the star's future and why he may not have signed already.

"I think he is waiting to sign for seven years," Baerga said on the latest episode of MLB Hot Stove. "I think what Juan Soto did, I think everybody is kind of scared to give that many years, especially with people that are 30 years old. So I think if Alex Bregman wants to sign, he needs to be going down to four or five years."

Generally, clubs have been willing to hand out long-term contracts to superstars, however, they tend to be in their mid-20s. Juan Soto for exampled signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets but is only 26-years-old. For Bregman, he may need to take a shorter-term deal and Baerga spoke about where he might make an impact.

"Alex Bregman can be a guy that helps the Detroit Tigers," Baerga said. "They are so young and they need a guy with experience. They need somebody that's been there. He already won two World Series, he is in the playoffs every year... I think this is going to be the best thing for the Detroit Tigers."

Alex Bregman could give the Detroit Tigers some much needed firepower heading into 2025

The Detroit Tigers were one of the feel-good stories of the 2024 season. The club made a spectacular late-season run to secure their first postseason berth since 2014. Even though the team was able to defeat the Houston Astros in the American League Wild Card round, it was clear that team needed help at the plate if they were going to become serious contenders.

The Tigers have already made a significant move this offseason by signing Gleyber Torres. If they are able to also bring in Alex Bregman, it could be a game-changing move. Bregman is a proven performer at the plate with 191 home runs throughout his MLB career. Bregman is the type of signing that could solidify the Tigers as a threat for years to come.