Tigers Blockbuster? Detroit Linked To $120 Million Superstar Free Agent
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Boston Red Sox star Alex Bregman was one of the bigger stories to follow during last year's free agency period. He landed a massive $120 million deal with the Red Sox that includes an opt-out clause after this season.
Considering how well Bregman is playing, it seems like he's going to opt out of this deal and pursue a five, six, or seven-year contract worth north of $200 million. The sweepstakes will likely be hotter this year than last.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic recently suggested the Detroit Tigers would pursue Bregman in free agency again if the star lands there after the season.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 12: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after a two run home run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on August...
HOUSTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 12: Alex Bregman #2 of the Boston Red Sox runs the bases after a two run home run during the sixth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on August 12, 2025 in Houston, Texas. More"Bregman, who is making $40 million this year and signed for two more years at that rate, will likely opt out of his contract and seek a longer-term deal," Bowden wrote. "He missed time this season with a quad injury but has hit .299/.379/.542 in 327 plate appearances. It appears Boston would be his first choice in free agency, but he is an obvious fit with several other contending teams, including the Phillies, Yankees, Tigers, Dodgers, Mariners, and even the Mets."
The Tigers will likely pursue Bregman again, but the money will always become an issue in this circumstance, especially if Detroit is going to try to re-sign Tarik Skubal when he lands in free agency at the end of next season.
The Tigers could surprise everybody and land the star infielder, but it would mean outbidding the Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, New York Yankees, and others. It's unlikely.
More MLB: Mookie Betts Sends Message After Padres Pass Dodgers In NL West
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But the best coaches, Vaughn says, will pay attention to what you're saying if they see a player is dedicated to getting better. If we don't know the answer as coaches, we can always consult others and get back to kids and their parents. 'Challenge your coaches,' Vaughn says. 'If you know something is being done wrong, you gotta challenge it. If you're having success, you gotta challenge it. And if there's a coach out there that's not able to bring you into a practice facility and show you what they're teaching, the reason why they won't do is because they don't know what they're talking about.' Don't rely on slivers of yourself on social media; provide a full picture to coaches Near the end of his career, Vaughn said he injected his knee with human growth hormone. According to former U.S. Sen. George Mitchell's report on peformance-enhancing drug use in baseball, which was released in 2007, former Mets clubhouse employee Kirk Radomski said he sold HGH to Vaughn. HGH was added to Major League Baseball's list of banned substances in 2005 but MLB prohibited the use of any prescription medication without a valid prescription in 1971. 'I haven't said a word to them about (the HGH use) but also they haven't asked me,' Vaughn says about his players. 'I would do anything to get back on the field. I don't even consider it really anything factual that it's a testament to what I did in the game, do for the game and in the game. It's just a part of time, in my opinion.' What we do consistently throughout our experiences, he believes, provides a full picture of who someone is. 'Anybody can make a reel of greatness,' he says about athletes promoting themselves on social media. 'We can show our home runs, we can show off our diving plays, we could look like Ken Griffey Jr. What people want to see is: How do you react when things are going wrong? What type of teammate are you? Do you support your people? Those are the things that coaches are looking for. 'It's easy to do things when everything's going right ... When it's hard tells all about you.' The All-American Classic -- where Vaughn is coaching along with other former All-Stars, including fellow baseball dads Ryan Klesko and Tom Gordon -- provides another chance this weekend. Maybe your son or daughter has a big sports tournament somewhere, too. Vaughn loves the Red Sox, but like all of us, he roots for his kids first. 'I get to sit around these guys that are trying to get to where I was and give 'em information and talk and encouragement and knowledge and those things,' he says. 'And I don't think (there's) a better opportunity.' Steve Borelli, aka Coach Steve, has been an editor and writer with USA TODAY since 1999. He spent 10 years coaching his two sons' baseball and basketball teams. He and his wife, Colleen, are now sports parents for two high schoolers. His column is posted weekly. For his past columns, click here. Got a question for Coach Steve you want answered in a column? Email him at sborelli@
