The Chicago Cubs are focused on adding pitching this offseason, but that has not stopped their pursuit of star free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. The two-time World Series winner remains on the Cubs' radar and after a recent report indicated that there is renewed interest in Bregman national MLB insider Robert Murray confirmed that the Cubs have met with Bregman already during this free agent period.
Bregman has several suitors, including the Boston Red Sox who signed him last offseason. The Cubs were one of four teams that seriously went after Bregman heading into the 2025 season, but their four-year, $115 million offer was ultimately dismissed by Bregman. Now, a free agent again and no longer attached to a qualifying offer, Bregman has met with several teams over Zoom, including the Cubs.
Cubs fans have been wondering what the team's interest in Bregman means for Matt Shaw and Jed Hoyer did comment on the rumors this week at the Winter Meetings.
"I've been surprised by the number of media reports that link us to different guys," Hoyer said to reporters in Orlando, Fla., on Monday. "There is zero lack of confidence in Matt. I would say the opposite."
Yet, going after Bregman or any other bat this offseason serves a bigger picture both in the short and long term outlook of the Cubs. All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker is leaving in free agency and his production has to be replaced somehow. Relying on young hitters to surpass their expectations doesn't exactly sound like a great strategy for the 2026 Cubs offense. Bregman may not be an elite hitter, but he does provide a strong foundation and track record to lean on at a position that has been unstable on offense since Kris Bryant was manning third base for the Cubs.
Plus, the Cubs will have several position players getting ready to become free agents following the 2026 season. Signing a free agent like Bregman now will at least provide some sort of structure on the team as Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki and Nico Hoerner can all enter free agency after next year.
