3 free agents Tigers must sign before 2026 season to boost playoff chances, ft. Alex Bregman

The Detroit Tigers stretched the ALDS to Game 5 before the Seattle Mariners clinched the nail-biter. The Tigers have a good all-around team, but they still have some weaknesses to address before the 2026 Spring Training.

These are some players that have been floated before as well, like last offseason, and once again, they stand in the same pathway.

3 free agents that can help the Tigers improve playoff chances

1) Alex Bregman

It's not something we haven't heard before. Last season, when Alex Bregman was a free agent, Detroit was among the top options. They even offered him a deal, but Bregman decided to sign with the Boston Red Sox with an opt-out in place after the first year.

After having a great season in 2025, Bregman is once again taking his chances to free agency. In 2025, he hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs.

Now the onus is on the Tigers' front office to get the job done.

2) Robert Suarez

Robert Suarez registered 40 saves in 2025, and Detroit could use some of that ability to bolster its late-inning need.

Suares opted out of his contract with the SanDiego Padres and is one of the top relieving arms in the market. Acquiring him won't be easy, as many top teams will be looking to land him. Competition has never helped the Tigers, but if they want to contend in the 2026 postseason, Suarez is one player they must get.

3) Cody Bellinger

Cody Bellinger is one of the top outfielders in the free agent market alongside Kyle Tucker. While the Tigers may not have enough to give Tucker his desired contract value, they can probably work something out with Bellinger, who had a fine year with the New York Yankees before choosing free agency.

The Tigers need someone with plate discipline but with proven slugging ability. With 29 home runs in 2025, Bellinger presents a good fix. Moreover, Bellinger's versatility to play different positions in the field, including first baseman makes him easy to fix in the roster as per needs.