The news is not a confirmed quote from Alex Bregman saying, “I want to join the Cubs.” Instead, it is an insider-confirmed report of renewed, serious interest from the Chicago Cubs in signing the free-agent third baseman, which is now the defining strategic debate for the club’s offseason.
The information from insider Bruce Levine confirms both the renewed interest and the financial flexibility the Cubs possess.
The Facts: Why The Rumor Is So Hot
- Cubs’ Renewed, Serious Interest: Multiple reports from The Athletic and other insiders confirm that the Cubs have returned to the Bregman sweepstakes after a failed bid last offseason. Cubs President Jed Hoyer reportedly views Bregman as a “great fit” who provides defense, right-handed power, and veteran leadership.
- The Budget is Open: Cubs insider Bruce Levine confirmed that the front office has “$50 to $60 million” in budget space left to spend without crossing the luxury tax threshold. This money is enough to land Bregman (projected contract is in the $140 million to $170 million range over 4-6 years, roughly 30-35M$ AAV
- The New Roster Need: The departure of outfielder Kyle Tucker has left a massive hole in the Cubs’ offense. By signing Bregman, the Cubs stabilize the historically weak third base position, allowing them to shift internal prospects like Matt Shaw into a utility role and ease the pressure on developing outfielders like Owen Caissie.
The Strategic Shift: Hitter vs. Pitcher
The core of the “strategy change” is that signing Bregman forces the Cubs to make a choice that contradicts their prior offseason focus:
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Sign Alex Bregman | Stabilizes third base with an elite hitter/defender. Replaces offense lost from Tucker. More cost-effective than a top pitcher. | Consumes most of the budget. Leaves a major hole in the starting pitching rotation. |
| Sign Frontline Pitcher | Solves the more acute need for an ace (e.g., Tatsuya Imai). Provides stability to the pitching staff. | Leaves the offensive hole at third base, forcing reliance on prospects. |
The consensus has been that the Cubs must prioritize pitching. However, the unexpected availability and affordability (relative to Kyle Tucker) of a superstar like Bregman has created a scenario where the Cubs are seriously considering pivoting to offense. If they sign Bregman, they will likely need to rely on cheaper trade options or lower-tier free agents for the rotation.
