Did he diss Detroit? Everything Alex Bregman said before facing Tigers post-free agency

Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman didn’t leave any room for misunderstanding about his free agency saga. He wanted to play for the Detroit Tigers. He wasn’t turned off by Comerica Park. And he doesn’t despise Detroit.

He simply chose to play somewhere else.

“It was not a diss of Detroit,” Bregman said May 12, just hours before the Tigers hosted the Red Sox at Comerica Park. “I made a decision to come play for the Boston Red Sox, and I’m super excited to be here playing for this ballclub.”

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Did he diss Detroit? Everything Alex Bregman said before facing Tigers post-free agency — Mar 27, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) walks on the field in the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox, including opt-outs after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. He turned down a six-year, $171.5 million offer from the Tigers, which included an opt-out after the 2026 season.

So far in 2025, Bregman is hitting .311 with nine home runs, 31 RBIs, 15 walks and 35 strikeouts across 41 games — ranking as one of MLB’s top 10 position players.

Here’s everything Bregman said to a group of at least a dozen reporters before the May 12 game between the Tigers and Red Sox at Comerica Park.

How close were you to signing with the Tigers?

“I think it was really close, but I made my decision to come here. I’ve been super happy to be here. I’ve really enjoyed my time being with my teammates and competing. Obviously, they have a really good ballclub over there — first place in the American League, playing exceptionally well, can really pitch, can really hit, play good defense. We definitely got our hands full this series.”

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What about the Tigers appealed to you in free agency?

“I just think they have a good ballclub. I wanted to play somewhere that I had an opportunity to win. I felt like those were the teams that I talked to during free agency, the teams that I felt like had the ability to win this year, but also for a long time — just like I feel like we do here. I think they have a really good ballclub and an incredible manager (A.J. Hinch) I’ve known for a long time, similar to knowing AC (Alex Cora) for a long time here. I know the level of talent that they have in the room. I knew the level of talent we had here. We talked to Chicago (Cubs) as well. They had a great amount of talent.”

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On a daily basis, were you aware of how many different fan bases wanted you to come to their teams this offseason?

“I just tried to focus on my work during the offseason. I tried to focus on my training and preparing to play this year — and trying to get off to a better start than I had in the previous few years. I just put my head down and focused on that.”

Did the dimensions of Comerica Park have something to do with your decision?

“No. I feel like I can hit anywhere.”

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What kind of reception do you think you’re going to get from Tigers fans?

“I have no idea. Probably similar to the one that I’ve gotten here over the last six years. It is what it is. It’s part of it. To be honest, I’m just super happy to be able to be playing the game of baseball at this level and playing against a great team. It’s always fun to compete.”

If Tigers fans boo you, then you would understand?

“Yeah, it’s all good. It wouldn’t be the first time and won’t be the last time I’ve been booed in my life.”

What has led to such a good start for you this season?

“Keeping my head down and continuing what I was trying to do in the offseason, just putting good systems and processes in place to get good routines in the (batting) cage. I’m just focusing on being good in the cage, and hopefully, it turns out to working on the field.”

Did free agency feel like forever for you?

“It felt like a little bit longer than most offseasons, just because of the uncertainty of where you’re going to play. Just being a human being, I feel like you kind of feel that, but at the end of the day, I still made it to camp before position players reported.”

Why do players want to play for Tigers manager A.J. Hinch?

“He is a competitor. He’s prepared. He loves the game. And he’s very smart.”

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Could Detroit be a landing spot for you in the future, or is that door closed now after your latest decision?

“No, I think that I’m focused on where my feet are right now and trying to compete and trying to focus on winning games this season — and winning the game today. When you asked the question about starting off slower and what’s different, I’m focusing on the next pitch and the next at-bat, and then the next time I go to the cage, and the next time I work on my swing, I’m taking that mentally over the course of 162.”

What helped you find that?

“I don’t know. I dove deep into what’s been successful and what’s worked for me in the past. In my best seasons of my career, I really focused on the next pitch. I just tried to do that. I grabbed a book and started reading it: “Atomic Habits.” That’s kind of what it talks about in there. It’s a good book.”

What is the main lesson you learned from A.J. Hinch when you were together with the Houston Astros?

“He taught me to play hard, play smart. Know what you’re good at and lean into that and maximize what you’re good at. Stay even keel throughout the course of the year. Compete your tail off.”

Were you surprised so many Detroit media members were waiting for you at your locker?

“Kind of. I was just about to go hit. It’s all good. No worries.”

Contact Evan Petzold at [email protected] or follow him @EvanPetzold.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Alex Bregman talks about Detroit Tigers with Boston Red Sox