The Detroit Tigers seem to be experiencing a sense of déjà vu this offseason — and their fans likely feel it even more strongly.
A year ago, after making their first playoff appearance since 2014, the Tigers set out to bolster their offense with a proven power hitter. Third base was also an area of need, making then–free agent Alex Bregman an obvious target.
Ultimately, Bregman landed with the Boston Red Sox, where he finished the 2025 campaign batting .273 with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and a 3.5 WAR. However, his time in Boston didn’t last long, as he chose to re-enter free agency once again.
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That brings the situation to today. The Tigers came within one victory of reaching the ALCS before falling to the Seattle Mariners. While the result mirrored what happened in 2024, Bregman’s decision to pass on Detroit wasn’t the decisive factor. Still, having a seasoned playoff performer with a reliable bat in high-pressure moments certainly could have made a difference.
With Bregman back on the market this offseason, many fans and analysts expected Detroit to reengage. Instead, reports suggested only modest interest, and comments from manager AJ Hinch indicate that stance may not change
According to Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, Hinch appeared on 97.1 The Ticket to share his perspective on the third base situation.
“I get asked about third base all the time,” Hinch said. “I’m like, ‘Our guy (Zach McKinstry) made the All-Star team.’ Our players don’t get enough credit when you’re always looking elsewhere and wondering if you should bring in someone new.”
McKinstry is coming off the strongest season of his career, posting 12 home runs, 49 RBIs, 69 runs scored, and a .259 batting average. He earned his first All-Star selection and also captured the American League Silver Slugger Award for utility players.
Before last season, however, McKinstry had never performed at an All-Star level. While his first half was outstanding, his production dipped significantly after the break, coinciding with the Tigers’ late-season slowdown following months as baseball’s hottest team.
Before the All-Star break, McKinstry recorded eight home runs, 31 RBIs, a .285 average, .364 on-base percentage, .472 slugging percentage, and an .836 OPS.
After the break, those numbers dropped to four home runs, 18 RBIs, a .213 average, .278 OBP, .378 SLG, and a .656 OPS.
Although Bregman remains unsigned, the Tigers are expected to monitor the situation. Still, all signs suggest a deal is increasingly unlikely, much like last offseason.
If that proves to be the case, Detroit appears ready to bet on McKinstry rediscovering his early-season form while also exploring internal depth options at third base, including Colt Keith and Matt Vierling.
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