The Tigers are interested in star free-agent 3B Alex Bregman, which would give him a chance to reunite with manager A.J. Hinch from their Houston days — and yes, the incumbent Astros are in with an offer.
Ultimately, Bregman might be pricey for Detroit.
The Red Sox inquired and could be a fit for Bregman if they move Rafael Devers to first.
The Red Sox are also in on Blake Snell, Max Fried and Corbin Burnes.
The Tigers made a play to extend Tarik Skubal but didn’t come close.
Hinch received only one first-place vote for AL Manager of the Year (and that from a Detroit writer). But he would have had my vote, too.
The Royals were a second small-market team to check in on Juan Soto. But, ultimately, it’s not a financial fit. Can’t blame the Rays for checking in, either. But here’s their reality: They traded CF Jose Siri partly to save a couple million.
The Siri deal is good for the Mets, who filled one opening reasonably and have money left for Soto and a rotation (money really isn’t their issue, anyway). …
Japanese star starting pitcher Roki Sasaki is said to admire Padres star Yu Darvish, but the Dodgers are still seen as the heavy favorite.
Everyone else should be considered a long shot.