The plot thickens in the Alex Bregman free agency saga, and the Chicago Cubs have just entered the chat! With the two-time All-Star still on the market, it seems the Cubs are keeping their options open—though not for a long-term commitment. According to Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Cubs recently had some “casual conversations” with Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras.

Now, the Cubs are playing it cool. They’re not looking to ink Bregman to a megade; the team is all about the short-term options here. Bregman could slide into their lineup, give them some pop, and help push their rebuilding efforts forward. But how did Alex Bregman fall into this situation? He spent most of his MLB career with the Astros, and suddenly he is found without a team. 

The Astros close all doors on their former third baseman  

In a recent episode of MLB Network’s Hot Stove with Harold Reynolds and Matt Versgasian, they discussed the whole Alex Bregman situation. Harold revealed that he noticed trouble early on. He said that the moment Bregman made it public that he was willing to shift to second base, he knew there was trouble. “When you look at second option that you will play, second base, your mark is dwindling. I think the Astros threw a huge wrinkle. Because I don’t think he ever thought that that would not be an option to just go back to Houston.” 

Alex Bregman had said no to a 6-year $156 million because he was eyeing a number near 200. That never happened and will most likely never happen. Matt says that the fact that the Astros declined Hoiston’s offer was because they were getting more offered elsewhere. But it seems like that’s not true anymore. Even Detroit, who were once the favorites to land the third baseman because of A.J. Hinch, are nowhere to be seen. Matt said, “They closed the door and Bregman, so it seems,” to which, Harold responded, “Bregman may go back to Houston on a smaller deal you never know.”  

For Cubs fans, Alex Bregman might just be the next big name to join the North Side 

According to Bruce Levine, the Cubs are eyeing a deal for the two-time All-Star. The club might try to offer him a contract similar to the one they gave Cody Bellinger last offseason: a three-year, $80 million deal with opt-outs after the first two seasons. While Bregman would likely command a higher average annual value than Bellinger, the market is shifting. With Spring Training just around the corner, the third baseman may be more inclined to take a short-term deal than wait for that elusive long-term contract. 

If the Cubs can convince Bregman to jump aboard, they might have an intriguing infield puzzle to solve. With top prospect Matt Shaw potentially set to take over at third base, the Cubs could shift him to second and move Nico Hoerner to the trade block, all while adding Bregman’s bat and leadership to the mix. This would give the Cubs a more flexible, dynamic infield and keep their sights set on a possible playoff push in a wide-open NL Central. 

With other teams like the Red Sox and Tigers still in the mix, the Cubs would need to move fast to secure this deal—but hey, they’ve got the flexibility and the need to make a move, so why not go for it? The Cubs have a real opportunity here. With the NL Central looking like a toss-up for 2025, adding Bregman—albeit on a short-term deal—could be the spark that propels them into contention. Whether it’s a one-year rental or a slightly longer commitment, Bregman could be the missing piece to a lineup that could surprise some people next season.

Do you think Alex Bregman should take the Cubs deal if presented? Let us know in the comments below.