The former Astros star is still a free agent, and while I remain skeptical about the Cubs being serious contenders to sign him, MLB insiders continue to suggest otherwise. Although there wasn’t any new information on Wednesday, both national and local reporters, including Bruce Levine from 670 The Score and Marquee Sports Network, indicated that the Cubs are still in the mix, waiting to see if he might reconsider agreeing to a short-term contract. Levine had previously noted the comparison to Cody Bellinger’s situation, where Bregman might settle for a deal with opt-outs.
Jon Heyman, a well-known reporter who’s often tied to Alex Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, hasn’t backed down from claiming that the Cubs are a legitimate threat in the Bregman sweepstakes. When asked who might be the favorites to land Bregman, Heyman mentioned the Astros, who are still reportedly offering a six-year, $156 million deal, and then pointed to the Cubs as the next most likely team if Bregman shifts his focus to a shorter-term deal, similar to Bellinger’s 2024 contract with Chicago.
Heyman also speculated that the Cubs’ allure could increase for Bregman, noting the presence of his good friend Ryan Pressly on the Cubs roster, along with Tucker in right field and Pressly closing games. These factors might make the Cubs a more appealing destination for the star third baseman.
Bregman, who rejected the Astros’ offer in December, is reportedly looking for an annual salary of at least $30 million and has been hesitant to sign a short-term contract. Other teams like the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Tigers have shown interest, but no team has yet come close to meeting his demands. Given that we’re approaching February, it’s becoming clear that Bregman’s market isn’t moving at the pace he may have expected. While the Cubs’ involvement could be a negotiating tactic to push the Astros to increase their offer, each passing day without a deal might increase the chances of Bregman eventually considering the Cubs as a viable option. We’ll have to see how much longer he and Boras are willing to wait for the right offer.
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