Does Alex Bregman make sense for Cubs? |
We’re deep in the MLB offseason, and some marquee names are still available on the open market. Among those top players yet to sign is Alex Bregman, who has spent the first nine years of his MLB career with the Houston Astros.
Bregman has been one of the league’s best third basemen since he entered the league. He has posted six seasons worth more than 4.0 Wins Above Replacement and finished second in MVP voting in 2019. Bregman turns 31 this year and is coming off of a 26-home-run season where he batted .260 and won his first career Gold Glove. He has been named to two all-star games and won a Silver Slugger in Houston. His 162-game averages include 28 homers, 97 RBIs, and a batting average of .272—consistent production from a premier position. So, could Bregman make sense for the Cubs? Yes, of course. The Cubs have been looking for a solution at third base since Kris Bryant departed at the 2021 trade deadline. But, the deal would have ramifications. Similar to when the Cubs traded for Kyle Tucker, they quickly moved to trade Cody Bellinger. If the Cubs acquired Alex Bregman, an additional move would likely follow. Reportedly, the Cubs have offered Bregman a four-year worth around $120 million with multiple opt-outs. Part of the reason the move might bring controversy is the anticipation that a trade of Nico Hoerner would be the move to follow. Hoerner is a fan favorite but also a great baseball player. He plays excellent defense, runs to bases exceptionally well, and has elite bat-to-ball skills. The Cubs might see a roster with Alex Bregman and prospect Matt Shaw and think Hoerner’s value might be better used to acquire an elite starting pitcher than having a deeper bench. Many fans are not comfortable with that potential trade-off. However, whether they keep Hoerner or deal him for an arm, acquiring Bregman makes them a better team. That should always be the goal, and this move would accomplish it. As for Shaw, the Cubs have appeared committed to offering playing time to the highly touted prospect — and have a safety net in place. It’s hard to imagine the Cubs acquiring Jon Berti, Vidal Brujan, Nicky Lopez, and Gage Workman as a “safety net” for Shaw and not giving Shaw ample opportunity to play. That's why it appears Hoerner would be the likely one on the way out. However, one additional wrinkle is that Bregman is represented by Scott Boras — which always makes negotiating difficult. Nonetheless, the Cubs appear to be in the thick of it for Bregman as the offseason winds down.
