The Chicago Cubs have had a highly active offseason as they attempt to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In December, the Cubs completed a blockbuster trade with the Houston Astros, obtaining three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker in return for All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes and two elite prospects: 2024 first-round selection Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.
That wasn’t their only agreement with the Astros. Last Monday, Chicago traded minor-league pitcher Juan Bello for two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly.
The Cubs also improved their rotation earlier this summer, signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract.
They also swapped prospects with the Tampa Bay Rays, swapping Matt Mervis for Vidal Brujan.
They also traded former National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees, shedding his remaining two years and $47.5 million contract.
Despite a busy offseason, the Cubs are still seeking for talent.
Chicago Cubs favorite to sign multi-time All-Star
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs are now the frontrunners to sign two-time All-Star Alex Bregman, as the Astros appear to have closed the door on bringing back their own talent.
“They put themselves in a wonderful position. They’ve signed Tucker and Pressly, two former Bregman teammates. I’m sure all of the Cubs folks are talking up Jed Hoyer right now,” Heyman remarked. “You don’t have to because he’s an outstanding all-around player, but at this moment, whether it’s a six-year or four-year deal with opt-outs…” “I believe the Cubs have a good chance of getting Bregman.”
Bregman reportedly declined a six-year, $156 million contract to return to the Astros. It’s unclear whether the Cubs are willing to go above that figure or if Bregman would accept a lower offer.
Bregman had an impressive.848 OPS, 132 OPS+, 191 home runs, 265 doubles, 694 runs scored, and 39.6 bWAR over nine seasons with Houston. He was also essential in two World Series victories.
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