The Detroit Tigers may be a team on the rise soon. Though they sit nine games back in the American League Central, they own a 74-71 record and are just three games back of the third and final Wild Card spot.
This offseason, they may be ready to take the next step forward under manager A.J. Hinch. Zach Rymer of Bleacher Report even believes they could make a run at Alex Bregman, listing them as the fourth most likely destination.
"If the Astros don't keep Bregman, what are the chances he finds a little taste of Houston in Detroit instead? That's where the Tigers reside," Rymer wrote. "If the Tigers decide to make a run at Bregman, Hinch is there to be the point man in the recruiting effort."
Bregman came up to the Major Leagues in 2016 while Hinch was still the manager in Houston. Hinch guided the Astros to the postseason four of his five years at the helm and led them to the World Series twice, which includes their 2017 championship.
Bregman was also an MVP finalist in 2019, Hinch's final year at the helm. Needless to say, he and Hinch already have a strong rapport, and bringing Bregman aboard would signal that the Tigers intend to compete in 2025.
They took steps forward last year, finishing 78-84 and in second place in the AL Central, and they continue to take steps towards contending.
They may not make it to the postseason this year, but they could go big for Bregman in the offseason and signal some change. Bregman brings great postseason experience and would be a strong veteran voice in a young Tigers clubhouse.
We'll see if his connection with Hinch pays off.
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