The Cubs have made it clear that pitching is their top offseason priority - but that hasn’t stopped them from taking a serious look at Alex Bregman.
The veteran third baseman, a two-time World Series champion, remains firmly on the Cubs’ radar. And according to national insider Robert Murray, that interest is more than just window shopping.
The Cubs have already met with Bregman during this free agency cycle, holding a Zoom meeting with the former All-Star a few weeks ago. He’s reportedly had similar virtual sit-downs with several clubs this winter.
This isn’t the first time Chicago has made a run at Bregman. The Cubs were one of four teams that made a serious push for him heading into the 2025 season, offering a four-year, $115 million deal.
That offer didn’t get it done, and Bregman ultimately signed elsewhere - landing with the Red Sox. But now that he’s back on the market, and no longer tied to a qualifying offer, the Cubs are circling back.
Naturally, the renewed interest in Bregman has raised some eyebrows among fans - especially with top prospect Matt Shaw looming as a potential long-term answer at third base. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer addressed that topic directly during this week’s Winter Meetings in Orlando.
“I’ve been surprised by the number of media reports that link us to different guys,” Hoyer told reporters. “There is zero lack of confidence in Matt. I would say the opposite.”
So how do you reconcile the Cubs’ faith in Shaw with their pursuit of a player like Bregman? It comes down to the bigger picture.
While Shaw is a promising talent, the Cubs are facing a lineup that’s about to lose some serious production. All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is departing in free agency, and replacing his bat won’t be easy.
Banking on a group of young hitters to overperform across the board isn’t exactly a blueprint for sustained success.
Bregman may not be the MVP-level hitter he once was, but he brings something the Cubs have lacked at third base since the Kris Bryant era - a steady, proven presence. He’s a player you can pencil into the lineup with confidence, and that kind of reliability has real value, especially in a lineup that’s still trying to find its identity.
There’s also a longer-term angle to consider. After the 2026 season, the Cubs could see several key position players - including Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Nico Hoerner - hit free agency. Locking in a player like Bregman now gives the team a bit more stability heading into what could be a transitional period.
At the end of the day, the Cubs' offseason isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about building a roster that can contend now while staying competitive in the seasons to come. Whether Bregman ends up in Chicago or not, their interest in him signals that they’re looking to do more than just tread water. They’re looking to make a move that matters.