2025 MLB spring training is just two weeks away, but Alex Bregman – one of the hottest free agents of the 2025 offseason – is yet to sign a contract. While the Astros still have their door open for Bregman, the Gold Glover has yet to decide on the teams he wants to sign with. Reports suggested that the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays have unsuccessfully attempted to attract the All-Star third baseman. His lack of interest in joining those teams indicates that Bregman anticipates a better proposal to emerge.

Both Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs remain the main suitors for Bregman, though their interest in his signing remains unclear. The real challenge? Bregman wants a long-term deal that could see him finish his career in one city—but so far, teams aren’t willing to meet his desired contract length. With time ticking down, will a team step up to meet his demands, or could this standoff drag into the season?

The MLB trade rumors predicted Bregman would dominate the upcoming free agency lists. Estimates suggested that he could receive a seven-year $182 million contract. The original financial prediction for Bregman turned out to be significantly higher than the current standings show. Bregman continues to delay accepting the reported six-year $156 million deal from the Houston Astros that remains on their table while demonstrating his unwillingness to sign a long-term contract. The Bregman contract acquisition option for the Cubs involves multiple challenges. The Cubs would likely provide Bregman with a five-year contract because he will be 31 years old when the next season begins.

The Cubs organization stands firm against signing long-term agreements with corner infielders who will reach their mid-thirties because of their desire for caution. The organization aims to create a powerful team without binding themselves to potentially expensive long-term agreements. Bregman’s performance during last year’s season triggered concern because his xOBP reached its career low point and he walked less frequently but swung more often than in previous seasons. His poor performance at bat has raised questions about his total worth as a player, even though he continues to present strong defensive abilities. The Cubs alongside other MLB teams want Bregman to offer exceptional defense and reliable offensive production, which makes his current trade value difficult to accept.

The potent appeal of Bregman’s talents becomes clear since the Cubs could benefit vastly from his presence. Multiple reports suggest the Chicago Cubs will maintain their current focus on young star Michael Busch instead of pursuing Pete Alonso due to his 21-home run performance with an OPS+ score of 118 and solid defensive abilities. Chicago needs additional players at first base if they fail to acquire Pete Alonso because Seiya Suzuki handles their designated hitter role permanently. A free-agent option for the Chicago Cubs at first base is Justin Turner, who recorded 11 home runs while batting .260 last year. Nevertheless, a move for Bergman remains the Cubs’ best option due to the value proposition and tactical versatility of this deal.

Cubs’ infield options and trade strategies

The team would gain a reliable infield and experienced leadership by signing Bregman at this juncture. Chicago’s infield consisting of Swanson and Hoerner would benefit from Bregman’s addition because it would create a powerful defensive unit that produces offense. This player arrangement ensures the Cubs will field an impressive third baseman beyond Bregman’s anticipated recovery from his previous level of play.

The Cubs may decide to keep Bregman while they develop their minor-league prospect, Matt Shaw, to take over the second base position. The Iowa franchise could provide Shaw with extended playing opportunities so he may polish his abilities and then assume the second baseman role in the future. The arrangement would enable Shaw to study under the complete players Swanson and Bregman while creating valuable depth for the infield talent pool at Wrigley Field. Bregman’s presence in the team would offer future flexibility to the starting lineup.

The Cubs possess an opportunity to leverage Bregman in trades that strengthen their team in unique positions. By trading Nico Hoerner, the Cubs could acquire pitching reinforcements through the acquisition of Dylan Cease. First base player Shaw would shift to second base position in exchange for acquiring Bregman according to this plan. The challenging decision to send Hoerner away could lead the Cubs to secure Bregman, which would turn them into genuine playoff competitors through 2025.