The Chicago Cubs have opened the season in impressive fashion, but their most high-profile offseason addition hasn’t matched that momentum.
Chicago made a major splash by signing Alex Bregman to a massive five-year, $175 million contract, hoping the veteran star would be the final piece of a championship-caliber lineup. The expectations were high, especially after the Cubs’ offense dominated in 2025, ranking near the top of the league in nearly every major category. Bregman was supposed to elevate an already dangerous group.
Instead, his early performance has been underwhelming.
Through roughly 200 at-bats, Bregman has posted an OPS under .700 with only four home runs—production that’s essentially league average. That level of output might be acceptable from a lower-order hitter, but it’s far from what’s expected from a centerpiece bat in the middle of the lineup.
Growing Concern Around Baseball
Bregman’s slow start has become a talking point across the league. Analysts have pointed out the lack of impact from a player expected to drive in runs, while also revisiting preseason concerns about how his skill set translates to Wrigley Field. Although the ballpark is often associated with favorable hitting conditions, it can frequently play pitcher-friendly—particularly for right-handed hitters—depending on the wind.
Fans and commentators alike have questioned whether he should be moved down in the lineup or if mechanical adjustments are needed to spark improvement.
Cubs Winning, But More Is Needed
Even with Bregman struggling and another key bat starting slowly, the Cubs remain well above .500. At 29–23, they’re firmly in the division race, just a game behind the Cardinals and two back of the Brewers.
Chicago has shown it can win without its biggest signing performing at a high level—but if Bregman gets going, the lineup could reach an entirely new gear. The Cubs are already competitive. To truly separate themselves, they’ll need their marquee addition to start producing like one.