​Tigers won’t have to ‘break the bank’ to sign Phillies All-Star third baseman originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Detroit Tigers fell short of expectations in 2026. They are set to miss the postseason after trading fan favorite and back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the Skubal trade, it felt like a long shot for the Tigers to make the playoffs. It was their way of waving the white flag while trying their best to get something of great value in return for the left-hander. But the Tigers have a lot to look forward to in 2027, especially the emergence of rookie sensation Kevin McGonigle. Detroit’s main focus for this offseason should be to find McGonigle a new partner on the left side of the infield. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter wrote Friday that the Tigers should take a look at a former All-Star third baseman with the Philadelphia Phillies. “The versatility of Kevin McGonigle means they could put him at the hot corner and continue to give regular playing time to an underperforming Javier Báez, but why? Alec Bohm is not going to break the bank,” Reuter wrote. “”He offers some upside as a change-of-scenery player in his prime. Another Gleyber Torres reunion would solidify the infield and allow Zach McKinstry and Hao-Yu Lee to stay in utility roles,” he added. Bohm won’t be an expensive free-agent signing for the Tigers, but he hasn’t had an amazing season with the Phillies. MORE: Bo Bichette likely not to opt out of Mets $42 million contractThe 30-year-old has -0.3 bWAR and an 86 OPS+ in 140 games. However, this is the third time in Bohm’s career he’s hit 15 or more home runs. Concerns regarding Bohm’s defense have remained constant throughout his career, which could push the Tigers away. That being said, the AL Central club could do a lot worse than Bohm, rather than overpaying for a star nearing the end of his peak. More MLB news:Jose Berrios ‘extremely unlikely’ to opt out of $48 million deal with Blue JaysCubs trade deadline addition Clay Holmes likely to opt out of $12M 2027 player optionHow Reds’ Sal Stewart has MLB history on his side for NL Rookie of the Year awardKevin McGonigle is runaway favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year for TigersPhillies’ Jesus Luzardo on track to be best road pitcher in MLB history since 1913