The Detroit Tigers are circling around free agent infielder Ha-Seong Kim again. They’re weighing his upside and contract flexibility against the bigger, pricier name of Alex Bregman.
The infield picture in Detroit remains unsettled. With prospects rising, the front office seems drawn to a shorter-term solution that keeps their long-term options open while still upgrading for 2026 and beyond.
Why the Tigers’ Focus Is Shifting From Bregman to Kim
The Tigers started the offseason ready to swing big at third base. Alex Bregman was the obvious headliner, and Detroit even put a serious offer on the table.
They looked ready to accelerate their competitive timeline. But as the market shifted, so did their priorities, and Ha-Seong Kim has re-emerged as a more logical fit.
Detroit’s Initial Pursuit of Alex Bregman
Bregman, coming off a strong 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, looked like the kind of cornerstone bat Detroit has missed in the infield for years. He posted a 125 wRC+ and delivered 3.5 WAR, even battling injuries.
The Tigers went after him aggressively, reportedly offering a six-year, $171.5 million deal. Bregman turned it down and chose a shorter contract with Boston, keeping his options open for another payday later.
With Bregman projected to land around $160 million over six years, Detroit’s bid was competitive but didn’t get it done. Now, with that offer rejected and other roster needs still pressing, the Tigers’ appetite for committing that much money and time to Bregman has cooled.
Ha-Seong Kim’s Appeal: Versatility, Value, and Flexibility
Kim brings a different type of solution. While Bregman is the more established offensive force, Kim offers defensive versatility, short-term cost control, and roster flexibility.
From 2022–2024, Kim became one of the more valuable all-around infielders in baseball. He flashed plus defense and a league-average or better bat while moving between second base, third base, and shortstop.
That versatility feels especially appealing to a club still sorting out long-term roles for its young infielders. The concern, of course, is the downturn in 2025.
After shoulder surgery, Kim managed only 48 games and slumped to an 82 wRC+. Even on defense, usually his calling card, the metrics dipped—he posted a minus-3 rating in his innings at shortstop.
There are questions about how quickly he can recapture his pre-injury form. Still, the market is pricing in that risk, and Kim is expected to draw something like a two-year, $30 million deal.
That’s basically a stopgap contract with upside if he bounces back physically.
How Kim Fits the Tigers’ Infield Timeline
Detroit’s interest in Kim isn’t just about 2026 wins. It’s about finding a balance between competing now and not blocking the club’s next wave of talent.
The Tigers’ infield depth chart is fluid, and the presence of emerging prospects is shaping their strategy.
The Kevin McGonigle Factor
One key name here is Kevin McGonigle, a prospect who’s starting to look like a long-term answer at either shortstop or second base. As his development picks up, the front office has to consider how many years they give any veteran infielder.
A six-year deal for Bregman would basically lock up a corner infield spot through the heart of McGonigle’s early big-league years. By contrast, a shorter pact with Kim provides:
If McGonigle keeps progressing, Kim becomes an ideal transitional piece. He’s good enough to help the club win now, but isn’t committed long enough to become a logjam later.
Market Landscape: Quiet Interest and Limited Competition
Another factor tilting this toward Detroit is the relatively quiet market around Kim. The Atlanta Braves have shown some interest, but they also picked up Mauricio Dubón, giving them an internal alternative and less urgency to push for Kim.
That subdued market gives the Tigers a chance to negotiate on their own terms. They can afford to be patient, structure a contract that fits their timeline, and avoid the bidding wars that usually surround top-tier free agents.
Why Kim May Be the Smarter Play for Detroit
When you strip it down, the Tigers are choosing between two very different paths:
Given how things have played out with Bregman, Kim just feels like a smarter move. He won’t ask for Bregman’s contract, but honestly, he doesn’t have to.
If Kim can get back to his 2022–2024 form, he’ll give Detroit solid defense and a decent bat. That kind of flexibility matters, especially as the Tigers’ young talent gets closer to the majors.
Here is the source article for this story: Tigers Interested In Ha-Seong Kim
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s