"You might have to pay Alex Bregman a little bit more" - MLB analyst sees 2x All-Star perfect to enhance AL Central team infield firepower

All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman remains one of the biggest names without a team this offseason. Bregman elected for free agency after the 2024 season with the Houston Astros.

The two-time All-Star was linked with a reunion with the Astros in free agency. However, Houston acquired third baseman Isaac Paredes in a trade with the Chicago Cubs after reports of stalled negotiations with Bregman.

With Bregman's potential return to Houston in doubt, the Detroit Tigers have emerged as one of the strongest contenders to land the two-time World Series winner.

Baseball analyst Dani Wexelmen expressed her thoughts on Bregman's potential move to Detroit and what the Tigers might need to do to lure the All-Star slugger in a conversation with "MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM" on Sunday.

"I love Alex Bregman in Detroit because the lineup alone becomes that much more dangerous and that much more competitive and then I start to think about the Tigers in the conversation of winning the division. I think there's a giant steps forward in the last month of the season. They snuck into the postseason and now they've got confidence and momentum, and I think that that's a real thing.

"Now power numbers in Detroit go down a bit, so you might have to pay Alex Bregman a little bit more. That might be a topic of conversation right now. Does he like, where he fits offensively? Because he cares deeply about it there, but that's why I like him in Detroit."

Alex Bregman's deal facing the same issue as Pete Alonso, per sportscaster

Alex Bregman's agent Scott Boras is known for holding out for the best possible contract for their clients. Bregman is reportedly seeking a six-year deal and like Dani Wexelmen mentioned, the Tigers might need to splash in the $150-200 million range to sign the former Astros star.

However, Bregman turns 31 in March and teams are hesitant to put years on his deal, the same with Pete Alonso's situation with the New York Mets. Sportscaster Evan Roberts said on WFAN:

"Alex Bregman is waiting on the same thing Pete Alonso is waiting on. They both are waiting on the years. I don't think it's about the average annual salary."

Bregman has also been liked with a move to the Mets but Detroit remains the frontrunners for the third baseman.