It’s a challenging time for the Chicago Cubs c especially with their top two bullpen targets landing with the Dodgers. The recent signing spree of the Dodgers secured Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, leaving the Cubs with narrow options. While a few free agents are still available, the Cubs’ $500k mistake is forcing them to scale back investment this year. So, the challenge for them is to get the best available names, and that too in the most cost-effective way. They were rumored to be in contention for Alex Bregman. 

There are big names like Alex Bregman still available in the free agency and it is obvious that the Dodgers are not going to sign every free agent. Yes, Alex Bregman is a fit in the Cubs’ lineup but with a multi-year expectation. Also, the Cubs got penalized recently for overlapping the luxury tax threshold, which further restricted their financial strength. So can the fans expect to see Bregman with the Cubs or that is also going to be a miss?

Pursuit for Bregman or Luxury Tax threshold?

Reportedly, the Cubs were well in contention for landing Bregman and what could be a better option than getting someone experienced like him to the team? Well, the issue here is the multiyear criteria for landing Bregman. He recently rejected a six-year offer worth $156 million from the Astros, which indicates his higher expectations. Now, with the Cubs going behind him and offering a better deal would cost their second and fifth pick, bonus pool amount, and even a part of their international pool. Tough pill to swallow!

However, getting Bregman now would amount to filling a few needs for the Cubs, if they are ready to pour out the money. Recently, the Cubs got penalized by $500K due to an overlapping luxury tax threshold, and even though it is the least an MLB team is penalized this year, they are looking to scale back their investment. Offering an exorbitant deal to Bregman would further overlap the threshold and the penalty amount would also get increased. A risk the Cubs cannot afford at this moment. 

So, it seems that the Cubs’ pursuit of Alex Bregman has come to an end. Still, the Cubs can offer a short-term deal that will be acceptable as per their budget but it seems Bregman is not interested. Hence, the Cubs’ fans need to look for other options available beyond Bregman. This is the time for the team to make some smart moves to make the best out of the available mid-tier talents. After all, multiple positions—especially in pitching and the bullpen—still need attention.

The Cubs are left with a few options 

It’s not that landing Bregman would close all the gap areas for the Cubs. With Bregman adding value in the basemen positions, the Cubs’ bench and backyard of their bullpen would remain vulnerable. Then whom to go with? Kenley Jansen and Phil Maton. Jansen is coming with a 4-2 record with the Red Sox, while Maton is coming with 30 SOs in 31 games in 2024 for the Mets. So yes, they are not a direct replacement for Bregman but can be a developing talent for the Cubs.

Moreover, eyeing them would also further the threshold for the Cubs even though in a minimum amount. This aligns well with their objective of scaling back this year. However, the question is, are these guys enough to fill the shoe of Bregman for the Cubs, and should they take the risk of breaking the bank? The Dodgers are surely the benchmark this year in terms of having a star-studded roster but countering them dollar-by-dollar can be detrimental for the Cubs considering they do not have the financial muscle similar to the Dodgers. 

With Bregman seeming no more on the radar for the Cubs, their 2025 performance also depends on their scouting. Hopefully the Cubs field the best team especially their pitching squad and bullpen this year while absorbing the luxury tax penalty. Balancing both is the missing link for the Cubs this year. 

Let us know what you think about the Cubs’ pursuit of Bregman in the comments below.