"Better fit than Alex Bregman" - Tigers insider endorses All-Star free agent as ideal target

Detroit Tigers insider Cody Stavenhagen believes incremental upgrades are not enough for the AL Central team. Stavenhagen claims a lineup-altering addition like Bo Bichette fits the mold than any others available in the free agent market.

Stavenhagen has been covering the Tigers for Athletic since 2019. The insider discussed Bichette's fit with the AL Central team on Friday's episode of "Tigers Territory" with cohost Kieran Steckley.

"What do the Tigers need?" said Stavenhagen (Timestamp: 16:25). "They're at a place where they're getting rid of platoon guys like Andy Ibanez. They don't really need that victory, that small edge around the margins anymore. I think they need a legit veteran hitter. Which brings us to our second name here, Bo Bichette."

Bichette debuted for the Blue Jays in 2019. In six and a half years with the Jays, the 27-year-old shortstop has earned two All-Star selections and an All-MLB second team nod. Moreover, he was a two-time hits leader in the American League.

The insider stressed that the Tigers need a slugger like Bichette or Alex Bregman in their lineup for the upcoming season. Otherwise, they can't elevate the team that faltered at the ALDS in 2024 and 2025.

"Bo Bichette, you could argue, is going to be a better fit than Alex Bregman simply because of his ability to play shortstop," said Stavenhagen.

The insider also pointed out that Bichette has not performed well in defense, with minus 12 defensive runs saved last season. He was minus three in 2024, making the decline in 2025 huge.

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Tigers insider weighs pros and cons of Bo Bichette

In the same conversation on "Tigers Territory," Cody Stavenhagen said Bo Bichette playing at shortstop for a year or two would be a great boost for the Tigers. Despite not being a veteran like Alex Bregman, the insider is confident that Bichette would be great in a clubhouse, having been accustomed to it since childhood.

"The other downside might be just the walk rate," said Stavenhagen (Timestamp: 17:45). "He walks at a below-average clip around percent. He's been able to mitigate that for the most part by hitting the ball hard and hitting the ball really well. Two years ago, not so much, but his quality of contact rebounded in a big way."

The insider acknowledged that Bichette's negative 0.3 WAR in 2024 is concerning, but aligned with projections that have him earning more than Alex Bregman.

"He's only 28 years old, but you're definitely looking at an eventual move to second base or to third base. The Tigers have a lot of other infielders coming through the system," said Stavenhagen.

Nevertheless, the insider is not confident whether the Tigers would be willing to pay a huge sum to rope in Bichette. Sportrac projected an 8-year, $186,426,728 contract for the shortstop.