The Tigers are almost certainly not ending up with Alex Bregman. No matter how "lukewarm," no matter how much his market might crater if he stays a free agent for too long — it's just not going to happen.
The Tigers don't appear interested in spending more than they already have, especially not on a bat, and Scott Harris basically already told everyone to simmer down and lower expectations this time around.
Next offseason will have to feature some major changes, though. Even if the Tigers keep Tarik Skubal through 2026, they'll still lose him at the end of the season alongside Jack Flaherty and Casey Mize.