Cubs Front Office Rumor Reveals Shocking Feeling on Alex Bregman
Top free agent Alex Bregman remains unsigned and as spring training nears there is growing optimism that the Chicago Cubs will ultimately land the third baseman. Bregman reportedly has an offer on the table from the Houston Astros and at least one other deal that’s also six years in length. However, Bregman has not signed and the Cubs continue to be viewed as a serious suitor for the free agent.
This past weekend the Detroit Tigers signed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty and immediately after there was the narrative that the AL Central team is still pursuing Bregman. Meanwhile, the Toronto Blue Jays are rumored to have an offer on the table for Bregman and according to Bob Nightengale it’s for six years.
Yet, maybe Bregman is waiting out for other teams to up their offers. That could include the Astros as well as the Boston Red Sox, who have also had interest in Bregman this offseason. According to 670 The Score afternoon host Matt Spiegel, the front office for the Cubs and Red Sox, may be having their own internal battle when it comes to Bregman’s free agent pursuit.
On Monday, Spiegel said there’s a disagreement in the Cubs’ front office whether to sign Bregman or not. The radio host added that he’s heard Bregman does not want to sign in Detroit or Toronto.
Spiegs is hearing that Alex Bregman isn't all that interested in signing with the Tigers or Blue Jays.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 3, 2025
Spiegs also believes there's a split opinion in the front offices of the Cubs and Red Sox about whether to sign Bregman.
Listen to full segment: https://t.co/tTWJtpdR1E pic.twitter.com/bElZTOFYeB
Bregman has reportedly been looking for a $200 million contract this offseason. It seems as though he has dropped that number and has shifted his ask to $30 million AAV on a six-year deal. Earlier in the offseason Bregman rejected a six-year, $156 million to re-sign with the Astros. That offer is reportedly still on the table from Houston.
The Cubs are reportedly only interested in bringing in Bregman on a short-term deal similar to the one the team agreed to with Cody Bellinger following the 2023 season. Bellinger inked a three-year, $80 million deal that had opt outs after the first and second year of the contract.
Chicago baseball insider Bruce Levine reported this past weekend that the Cubs remain actively involved in talks with Bregman.
This we know,the Cubs are still actively involved in Alex Bregman talks.Scott Boras has conversations going with numerous clubs.Extending the offers to 6 years is https://t.co/0PYY2kT6my source says a six year offer is on the table,but opt outs and lanuguge apply.
— Bruce Levine (@MLBBruceLevine) February 2, 2025
Matt Shaw, the team’s top prospect, currently has a clear path toward winning the starting job at third base for the Cubs in 2025. The infielder could always move around the diamond, but some Cubs fans argue that signing Bregman to then trade away Nico Hoerner to make space for Shaw at second base would be counter productive.
Sure, the Cubs would get something valuable in return for Hoerner in a trade, most likely pitching help, but then you’d have to consider that Bregman could easily opt out after one season and then you’re down a dependable player in the infield with Hoerner off elsewhere.
Of course, the Cubs could ultimately keep Hoerner and simply use Shaw as a utility man. It’s been done before and has been successful in the past for the Cubs, who played Javier Baez all over the infield during the 2016 season, when the team had a locked in starting infield as well.
But we’re still a long ways from discussing that part of the roster. Right now, it appears as though the Cubs are trying to convince themselves if signing Bregman is the correct decision or not. You have to wonder if the split in opinion is solely between front office members or if it extends to Cubs manager Craig Counsell, who may have more input on roster decisions in his second offseason with the club.