USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Chicago Cubs remain linked to free agent Alex Bregman, though several obstacles stand in the way of a deal. The Cubs continue discussions with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, but are unlikely to offer more than a three-year contract. Meanwhile, the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers, and Boston Red Sox have all extended four-year offers. However, no team has met Bregman’s asking price of a six-year deal. With the 2025 season approaching, Bregman will soon have to make a decision and may ultimately settle for a short-term contract.
When it comes to Bregman’s market, many of the top spending teams have passed on adding him, as they already have filled their infield needs, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, and the New York Mets. But the Cubs remain likely to steer clear of Bregman due to the luxury tax cost. Their current payroll is nearly $200 million, below the $241 million luxury tax threshold.
Cubs spend first day of spring camp addressing Alex Bregman-sized elephant in the room https://t.co/gziF9csRLq
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Cubs Weigh the Odds with Alex Bregman
Payroll Outlook
Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer recently commented on the Bregman rumors, stating, “I think you always look for opportunity, but right now we’re going to focus on the guys we have in camp. That’s the plan.” The Cubs have their heads held high with promising offseason additions that can help them become contenders in the National League.
Another obstacle to the Cubs trying to acquire Bregman is their payroll situation. The Cubs have a projected payroll of $191 million, which has dropped increasingly from 2024 ($230 million). Looking at the New York Yankees, Mets, and Dodgers, whose payrolls surpass $300 million, it remains difficult for the Cubs to compete with them. As mentioned, the Cubs are looking to shed payroll and are not prioritizing spending money. The Cubs traded Cody Bellinger to the Yankees back on December 17th to cut costs. When it comes to their remaining payroll space, they would likely add a veteran bench piece or another starting pitcher.
Impactful Offseason Additions
But with the additions of Ryan Pressly, Colin Rea, and Kyle Tucker, the Cubs have made their mark that they are ready to compete. While the Cubs would love to add Bregman to amplify their success in 2025, they are also realistic about the circumstances. The newly acquired offseason additions will make a big impact and complement the Cubs lineup. For example, Tucker’s solid defensive skills will play a role in boosting the Cubs’ defense. But Tucker also has an elite bat. Tucker’s power-hitting will complement teammates, Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki in the lineup. Pressly is a bonafide ace reliever who will be a key contributor in the Cubs bullpen. Pressly has also previously played with reliever Caleb Thielbar on the Minnesota Twins.
The Cubs also have solid depth in their farm system. Two of their top-ranked prospects are on the 40-man roster. This all points to the fact that the Bregman hype is diminishing with the Cubs.
Photo Credit: © Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
The post Cubs Address Their Position in the Alex Bregman Sweepstakes appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.