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Is there a fit between Cubs and Alex Bregman?

3 weeks agoAndy Martinez

After the Cubs pulled the trigger on their blockbuster trade to acquire Kyle Tucker from Houston, it seemed as though their offseason shopping in the upper tier of players was over.

They still might find a deal at a position that was vacated by that trade.

670 The Score and Marquee Sports Network contributor Bruce Levine reported this week that the Cubs would be open to signing Alex Bregman if he were to accept a short-term deal, like the contract Cody Bellinger signed before the 2024 season.

Last year, Bellinger went unsigned all winter after a strong 2023 campaign with the Cubs, then returned to Chicago on a 3-year, $80 million deal that included opt-outs after the first two years.

Adding Bregman on a short-term deal could make sense for the Cubs. After shipping Isaac Paredes to Houston for Tucker, there’s an opening at third base. And while top prospect Matt Shaw will have an opportunity for the role, he isn’t guaranteed the job either.

“I think making room for young players is really important,” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said after acquiring Tucker. “I mean, he has to earn that job. I’m not going to gift him that job on a conference call in the middle of December.

“But, certainly, with what he’s done in the minor leagues since we’ve had him, he’s played really well.”

[MORE: Where the Cubs bullpen stands two months before Opening Day]

While Shaw has had success at every rung on the minor league ladder (.303/.384/.522 with 29 home runs, 46 stolen bases and 99 RBI in 159 games), there’s no guarantee that success will translate immediately to the big leagues.

Pete Crow-Armstrong struggled in his first extended run in the big leagues in 2024. He had a .523 OPS and hit .180 in his first 66 games, showcasing the gap from the minors to the major leagues.

Adding Bregman at third base on a short-term deal would provide cover for Shaw if he struggles. It also would add another star into the middle of the Cubs lineup that has been missing it, especially at third base.

Bregman has been seeking a long-term deal that is worth $200 million, Levine reported. But that market hasn’t developed and teams in search of third base help have filled that role in other capacities.

Houston, the only club Bregman has played with, acquired Paredes in the Tucker deal to man the hot corner and signed veteran free agent Christian Walker to play first base.

Detroit signed second baseman Gleyber Torres and has a crowded infield already — top prospect Jace Jung looks ready to play third for them with Javy Báez at short and Spencer Torkelson at first. That doesn’t factor in another former touted prospect in Colt Keith who had a solid rookie campaign in 2024.

Boston could be open to Bregman, but they’ve also been linked to Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, who has a no-trade clause but reports have stated he’d waive it for a move to Boston.

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