Tigers "aren't involved" in chasing a free agent the Blue Jays have their eye on

It's a similar storyline to the 2024 offseason. The Toronto Blue Jays are looking for an impact bat upgrade, potentially an infielder. Once again they have been linked to third baseman Alex Bregman, and once again it appears as if the Blue Jays are one of the final teams in on his market.

One team the Blue Jays may, or may not have to contend with in trying to sign him is the Detroit Tigers. Which from the onset looks like good news for Toronto to have one less bidder, but the Tigers may not be completely out just yet.

Tigers "aren't involved" in chasing a free agent the Blue Jays have their eye on

According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, the Tigers aren't involved...just yet. Petzold writes, "The Tigers haven't shown any new movement, a person with knowledge of the situation told the Free Press on condition of anonymity because they're not permitted to speak publicly. The interest from the Tigers remains lukewarm, just as it has all offseason. But don't rule out the Tigers entirely."

He goes on to say that the Tigers are in a wait-and-see mode when it comes to the remaining free agents on the board after already signing Kenly Jansen, Kyle Finnegan and Drew Anderson. The Tigers were also a team that was heavily rumored to be looking at Bregman last offseason as well and Petzold says, "If Bregman's market collapses by mid-January, the Tigers could re-enter the mix by putting the only long-term offer on the table."

In order for that to happen the Blue Jays would likely have to have already signed one of Bo Bichette and / or Kyle Tucker while the Red Sox, Cubs and Diamondbacks all make moves to get a different infielder to suit their needs. The Blue Jays interest in Bregman has grown as the offseason has gone on but they too could be awaiting for the price to come down.

Bregman opted out of the remaining two years and $80 million on his contract and as a Scott Boras agent, he's likely seeking a longer term and higher AAV. Last offseason the Tigers reportedly offered Bregman a six year $171.5 million deal and if they are willing to go to that price it could be in his best interest.

But that's also a deal the Blue Jays should be keen on making as it is similar to the money that has been rumored for what Bichette would be getting, and he is a few years younger than Bregman. Whether it's Bichette or Bregman a 6-7 year deal for around $170-$180 million seems to be within the Blue Jays wheelhouse. If it's a deal they can or want to make with either guy, it feels like it's got to come soon, other wise teams like the Tigers may be jumping back into the conversation.

After hitting .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and a 3.5 bWAR, the 31-year-old Bregman remains one of the marquee players for any team that needs to add a legitimate bat to their lineup.