Spring training is underway, yet Bregman remains unsigned, and the clock is ticking for him to get the deal he wants. More than likely, he’ll have to settle for a short-term deal with a high annual value.

If that is what it takes, then the Tigers may be in good shape. According to Bob Nightengale, the Tigers are one of three teams that has made a shorter-term offer to Bregman.

“The Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros have all made offers of at least four years to Bregman, but no one has been willing to meet his asking price,” Nightengale reported.

Bregman is seeking a six-year deal at minimum, but it appears unlikely that he’ll get a deal of that nature unless he takes a lower annual value. The Houston Astros had offered him a six-year, $156 million deal and have recently upped their offer, so it’s still possible, but not likely.

The two-time World Series champion slashed .260/.315/.453 with 26 home runs, 75 RBI and a 4.1 WAR during the regular season with Houston.

Should he join the Tigers, he’ll reunite with former manager AJ Hinch, who was at the helm when Houston won their first title in 2017 and returned to the Fall Classic in 2019.

The Tigers need one more right-handed bat, and third base is a spot where they have a hole to fill. Bregman might be the perfect fit for them as they try to build off of last year’s surprising second-half run to the postseason.

We’ll see if Detroit can get a deal done soon.