So, at this point I think it's fair to say that two things can be true. For starters, the Cubs are interested in free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. However, as the rumors ramp up surrounding the top remaining free agent it seems like Scott Boras is using the Cubs for leverage in talks with other teams.
On Friday, national MLB insider Jon Heyman once again brought up the Cubs when discussing the possible landing spots for Bregman.
Astros and Cubs are believed showing significant interest in Alex Bregman, with Tigers and Red Sox among others involved. His longtime Astros team, also engaged at the start of winter, want him enough they may move Paredes to 2B and Altuve to LF to accommodate.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 24, 2025
Not to diminish Heyman's work, but it's no secret that he often relays info from Boras. Anyway, the Cubs mention by Heyman was rebuffed by Cubs fans because recently The Athletic's Cubs' beat reporters pretty much dismissed the idea of the team seriously pursuing Bregman.
But then a new report came out later on Friday from The Athletic.
Story with @Chandler_Rome and @PJ_Mooney: Ryan Pressly weighing options as Astros and Cubs also pursue Alex Bregman: Sources https://t.co/Sk961m4IFU
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) January 24, 2025
Before you get too excited, this wasn't really anything new.
A couple weeks ago Bruce Levine reported that the Cubs were indeed mulling over the idea of signing Bregman, but the only scenario in which they would consider such a move would be on a short-term deal.
The very next day USA Today's Bob Nightengale published an article in which Boras said Bregman had no interest agreeing to a short-term deal this offseason.
Via USA Today.
While Alonso may be willing to accept a short-term deal with the ability to opt out after the 2025 season, Bregman is not going down that path. He has no desire to accept a short-term contract, and remains engaged with several teams like the Toronto Blue Jays, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox.
So, that brings us to the latest report from The Athletic. Nothing's really changed. Yes, the Cubs are interested in Bregman, but they will not engage on contract talks that go beyond a short-term agreement. In addition to that, there are doubts that the Cubs would do what it takes to sign Bregman because they're using the first luxury tax tier as their own hard cap this year.
Via The Athletic.
“While the Cubs are trying to be opportunistic and get creative on a Bregman deal, sources indicated their current budget for baseball operations does not leave much room for the All-Star third baseman. Like the Astros, the Cubs have an ownership group that is reluctant to go over the $241 million luxury-tax threshold.”
So, this seems like a leverage play, no?
Yeah, the Cubs might be interested and Boras is using that info to help drive up offers from other teams that are also pursuing Bregman. He reportedly has at least one long-term deal on the table, but Bregman, who hasn't signed yet despite spring training beginning in three weeks, is probably looking for more money. Use the Cubs as a bargaining chip, "hey, if you don't offer more, then I'll take the Cubs deal."
Sources: #Cubs do remain interested in Alex Bregman, but only on a short-term deal with player-friendly flexibility components (opt-outs, NTC possible). Bregman and Scott Boras would still prefer longer-term option, and believe they have at least one potential partner there.
— Matthew Trueblood (@MATrueblood) January 24, 2025
Hey, Bregman hasn't signed yet and maybe other teams also aren't willing to increase their offers, but I'm still not buying into these Cubs-related rumors.
