The Chicago Cubs' front office is wasting no time in reacting to a major offseason setback. After losing star outfielder Kyle Tucker to free agency, where he is projected to command a contract between $300 million and $400 million, the franchise is swiftly changing strategy. Their new primary target is a familiar one: veteran third baseman Alex Bregman.
Why Bregman is Back on the Cubs' Radar
This marks the second consecutive offseason where the Cubs have seriously pursued Alex Bregman. Last winter, Chicago offered the infielder a four-year, $115 million deal. However, Bregman chose instead to sign a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. Now, at age 31, Bregman has opted out of that deal and re-entered free agency, giving the Cubs a second chance.
The departure of Kyle Tucker, whose 2025 breakout fueled the Cubs' playoff run, creates a significant offensive void. However, it also frees up substantial salary. With teams like the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers driving Tucker's price into the stratosphere, the Cubs see Bregman as a more cost-effective anchor for their lineup. He offers right-handed power, elite defense, and valuable postseason experience without the $400 million commitment.
Contract Mechanics and Team Implications
As a free agent, no trade is required to bring Bregman to Wrigley Field. League insiders suggest the Cubs are preparing an offer in the range of $140 million to $170 million over four to six years. The club's deep farm system provides additional flexibility for future roster moves.
For the Boston Red Sox, Bregman's departure facilitates a planned transition. Top prospect Marcelo Mayer is ready to take over the left side of the infield, and moving on from Bregman's contract provides payroll relief after an aggressive 2025 campaign where Bregman posted an .821 OPS.
Performance Analysis: A Clear Upgrade for Chicago
The numbers strongly justify the Cubs' renewed interest. In 2025, Chicago's third-base production, led primarily by Isaac Paredes, was middling. A direct comparison highlights the potential upgrade:
- Alex Bregman (BOS): 114 games, .273 AVG, 18 HR, 62 RBI, .821 OPS, 3.5 WAR.
- Isaac Paredes (CHC): 101 games, .245 AVG, 16 HR, 55 RBI, ~.750 OPS, ~2.0 WAR.
Advanced metrics like Bregman's 44.4% hard-hit rate and .356 wOBA further illustrate his sustained offensive threat, something the Cubs lacked consistently at the hot corner.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards
Signing Bregman is not without its potential downsides. He will be 32 next season, raising questions about age-related decline in the later years of a long-term deal. Past quadriceps injuries also hint at durability concerns. Furthermore, the Cubs have promising prospects in their system whose development could eventually lessen the need for a blockbuster signing.
However, the pros are compelling. He would provide an immediate OPS boost, project for over 3 WAR annually, and bring a respected clubhouse presence to guide young stars. Crucially, he allows the Cubs to remain financially agile for other moves, avoiding the luxury-tax pitfalls a Tucker deal would have created.
In conclusion, the Cubs' pivot from Kyle Tucker to Alex Bregman is a calculated and strategic maneuver. While losing a young superstar is painful, securing a proven veteran like Bregman on a more manageable contract could stabilize the infield, preserve financial flexibility, and keep Chicago in immediate contention for the 2026 postseason.
