Detroit Tigers Target Named 'Most Overrated' Free Agent in MLB Free Agency

It's easy to argue that the Detroit Tigers need to do everything they can to bring some of the best players on the market this winter. From one point of view, that's more than fair.

However, considering that there seems to be a lot of good in this organization, they need to be smart about their moves.

Spending money just to spend it often doesn't end well, as people like Javier Baez found out the hard way. That's the harsh truth of the situation, but if the Tigers want to get even better in the future, they're going to have to look at every single move they make in a different light.

That doesn't mean they shouldn't sign some of the best players available, as Detroit clearly has a need for more talent. Considering that and their unlikely run into the playoffs in the second half of the season, the Tigers appear to be in as good a position as many other teams in Major League Baseball.

Of course, that's assuming the ownership group and front office are willing to increase their payroll.

They have been linked with several players in recent months, but Alex Bregman is at the top of that list. The star third baseman has a history with head coach AJ Hinch, as Hinch coached Bregman during his time with the Houston Astros.

Detroit needs a long-term third baseman, and the 30-year-old could be just that.

However, Sportsnaut's Matt Higgins believes teams should be cautious about signing him, calling him one of the “most overrated” players on the market.

“It's hard to imagine Bregman leaving the Houston Astros, but it's possible with the two-time All-Star heading into free agency. Bregman's OPS and OPS+ have declined over the past three seasons, and his walks have more than doubled compared to 2023 – from 92. to 44. Bregman will be 31 in the 2025 regular season. Jim Bowden of The Athletic predicts Bregman will receive a seven-year, $185.5 million contract, but teams may be hesitant given his declining numbers.”

Maybe the New Mexico native isn't one of the top two to three third basemen in Major League Baseball, but there's still a strong case to be made that he is. When Bregman is at his best, there aren't many guys who can do what he can do offensively at that position.

From the Tigers' perspective, they shouldn't have to worry too much about him coming in and not performing. Even though his offensive production is down a bit, he is a career hitter with a 132 OPS+.

There's a very good chance he's still a 25-plus home run guy in the middle of a lineup that needs a right-handed hitter.

The term “overrated” is a bit unfair, but Detroit needs to think about it since they had a slower year compared to previous seasons.