Skubal wants Flaherty back, thinks Bregman would look good with Tigers

Reigning American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal thinks the Detroit Tigers should consider signing third baseman Alex Bregman and right-hander Jack Flaherty before pitchers and catchers report to spring training in a little more than two weeks.

Detroit is in the mix for Bregman, who spent the past nine seasons with the Houston Astros and previously played under Tigers manager A.J. Hinch.

"He would look really good (with the Tigers). I'm sure he wants it. We got the connections," Skubal said during an appearance on "Foul Territory."

Bregman is one of the few star players still available in free agency after reportedly turning down a six-year, $156-million offer from the Astros, although the two-time All-Star has reportedly restarted negotiations with Houston.

The 30-year-old would be an upgrade at third for the Tigers, who saw Gio Urshela and Jace Jung get the majority of reps at the hot corner last season. Bregman owns a career .848 OPS and won a Gold Glove in 2024.

Skubal also thinks highly of Flaherty, who the Tigers traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July before they went on a run down the stretch and made the playoffs.

"I'd love to have him back," Skubal said of Flaherty.

Flaherty was solid for Detroit last season, authoring a 2.95 ERA with a career-high 11.2 K/9. He hasn't been able to secure a free-agent deal despite finishing 2024 with a 3.47 FIP in 162 frames and winning his first World Series.

"The business side of the game, I just don't quite understand yet, why he's not with a team," Skubal said.