Before the Chicago Cubs finally ended their rough 10-game losing streak on Wednesday, third baseman Alex Bregman offered a blunt and honest assessment of the situation. Rather than attributing the slump to the natural ups and downs of a long MLB season, he emphasized that responsibility lies squarely with the players to correct their performance.
That perspective stood in sharp contrast to comments from Ian Happ during the skid, when the Cubs endured a -28 run differential and were swept in consecutive series at Wrigley Field. Speaking to 670 The Score, the left fielder suggested it is uncommon for an entire lineup to slump at once and indicated the team would simply move on from the losing stretch.
While there is some truth to the idea that every team goes through difficult phases, Happ’s remarks were viewed by some as lacking urgency or accountability given the circumstances.
The reaction was particularly pointed because Happ is the team’s longest-tenured player and widely regarded as a clubhouse leader. Even though he played a major role in helping the Cubs win the final two games to break the streak, he entered Wednesday hitting just .176/.336/.341 over his previous 26 games. For a player consistently placed near the top of the lineup by manager Craig Counsell, those numbers fell short of expectations, especially in key run-producing situations.
In those two wins over the Pirates, Happ did respond with seven RBIs, five hits, and two crucial home runs. Notably, this surge came after he was moved down to the fifth spot in the batting order, a change that seemed to reinforce Bregman’s belief that adjustments were necessary.
Alex Bregman is emerging as the Cubs’ leader
Bregman was willing to speak directly about the team’s struggles, which aligns with why the Cubs invested $175 million in him. While he may no longer be producing at an MVP level, he brings a direct, no-excuses mindset focused on improving the overall performance of the lineup.
That mentality also shows up in his approach to teammates. Known during his time with the Red Sox for his detailed hitting knowledge, Bregman has reportedly helped players such as Michael Conforto and Pete Crow-Armstrong make mechanical and mental adjustments at the plate.
His leadership has extended beyond batting advice as well. After Crow-Armstrong’s uncomfortable exchange with a White Sox fan and a subsequent dip in form, Bruce Levine reported that Bregman held a 40-minute mentoring session with him in the clubhouse.
The Cubs’ long-term commitment to Bregman reflects his broader value. Even if he is not expected to deliver huge home run totals, his influence on preparation, approach, and accountability could prove just as important in shaping the team’s success moving forward.