The Chicago Cubs have reportedly circled back to veteran infielder as they explore options to replace Kyle Tucker and add proven championship pedigree to the roster. With Tucker expected to depart, Chicago appears open to targeting another established bat who can deliver both offensively and in high-pressure situations.
The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma reported that, according to sources familiar with the team’s offseason strategy, the Cubs have renewed their interest in the All-Star third baseman. Chicago is one of several teams monitoring Bregman’s market, and MLB Network insider Jon Morosi recently shared the latest on where things stand for the former Red Sox standout.
Speaking on MLB Network on December 15, Morosi explained that Bregman’s priority is securing a deal that maintains a similar average annual value to what he earned in Boston, but over a longer term. According to Morosi, industry sources believe Boston still offers Bregman his strongest opportunity to land that type of contract. The key question, he noted, is whether other teams will step in to drive up the bidding. For now, many signs continue to point to the Red Sox as the most natural fit.
Morosi also addressed the broader market, noting that while both the Tigers and Cubs were involved in Bregman’s sweepstakes last offseason, Chicago’s situation has evolved. The Cubs appear relatively comfortable with Matt Shaw at third base, unless they opt to shift him to second and explore a trade involving Nico Hoerner. Detroit, meanwhile, may face tighter spending constraints after Gleyber Torres accepted the qualifying offer. Taken together, Morosi believes Boston remains the clearest and most logical destination for Bregman.
Chicago’s interest in Bregman is not new. Last spring, the Cubs made a serious push, with ownership approving Jed Hoyer to present a four-year, $115 million offer that included opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons. Bregman ultimately chose Boston, signing a three-year, $120 million deal that also featured opt-outs and substantial deferred money.
Despite appearing in only 114 games last season because of a quad injury, Bregman remained productive at the plate. He finished with 18 home runs, 62 RBIs, and an .821 OPS, numbers that closely mirror his playoff résumé. Across 102 career postseason games, he has totaled 19 home runs, 55 RBIs, and a .791 OPS.
Renewed interest in Bregman could also have ripple effects across the Cubs’ roster. Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden suggested that signing Bregman could make Nico Hoerner expendable. If Bregman were to take over at third base, Matt Shaw could slide to second, potentially allowing Chicago to trade Hoerner for pitching help.