Alex Bregman hasn’t even put on a Cubs uniform in a regular-season game yet, and already, his presence is being felt across the organization. During his introductory press conference on Thursday, Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer shared a telling detail: one of Bregman’s first requests after joining the team was to get scouting reports on every player on the roster.
That’s not just due diligence - that’s leadership. And it tracks with what we’ve seen from Bregman throughout his career with the Astros and Red Sox. He’s long been known as a high-IQ player who holds himself and his teammates to a high standard, and now he’s bringing that mindset to Wrigleyville.
While many expected Bregman’s impact to start showing up once spring training kicks off next month, it turns out he’s already getting to work.
With most of the roster in town for Cubs Convention weekend, Bregman’s had his first real chance to connect with his new teammates. Before the festivities even began, he was already in the cage with Nico Hoerner, getting in a hitting session Friday night. And the mentorship didn’t stop there.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, coming off a breakout 2025 campaign that saw him earn his first All-Star nod, revealed that Bregman had already sat down with him to talk about his goals for the 2026 season.
“He’s already instilled some confidence in me,” Crow-Armstrong said.
That might sound like a small thing, but for a young player like PCA - who’s still finding his footing as an everyday big leaguer - that kind of early vote of confidence from a veteran like Bregman can be a game-changer.
Let’s not forget: Crow-Armstrong’s 2025 season was a tale of two halves. He was electric early, playing his way into MVP conversations with his dynamic play on both sides of the ball.
But as the season wore on, his bat cooled off, and the pressure of the postseason seemed to weigh heavily on him. He’s never been one to hide his emotions, and by October, it looked like the moment may have gotten a little too big, a little too fast.
Last year, he leaned heavily on Justin Turner’s veteran presence in the clubhouse. Now, it looks like Bregman is stepping into that mentor role - and possibly taking it to another level.
This is the kind of behind-the-scenes influence that doesn’t always show up in the box score but pays serious dividends over the course of a long season. When the Cubs signed Bregman, it wasn’t just about adding a proven All-Star to the lineup - it was about bringing in a culture-setter.
That’s why the front office was willing to go all-in with a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs in his deal. They weren’t just investing in the player; they were investing in the person.
Bregman’s already showing why that investment could pay off in more ways than one. He’s not just joining the Cubs - he’s helping shape what this team will be. And if these early signs are any indication, his influence might be felt far beyond the third base line.