The crack of the bat, the sound of cleats hitting the field and the crowd’s atmosphere – spring training is nearly here! The start of new beginnings with fresh hopes, but for one player the anticipation of returning to the field remains uncertain.

Alex Bregman, the two-time All-Star third baseman who has been the heart of the Houston Astros for years is yet to sign a deal. While most of the players are all set to make their mark, Bregman is stuck in the waiting lobby. The reason? A long-term contract! Even though the Chicago Cubs have offered him a solid deal worth $30 million per year for four years with multiple opt-outs, Bregman is still holding out. The appeal of a long-term, lucrative deal that many of his peers have procured, is still out of reach.

However, The Cubs are adamant. They are clearly as serious as any team in their efforts to sign Bregman; the unconventional contract structure seems to be a sticking point for the player. Their offer of a four-year deal reflects their seriousness which might be hard to overlook. As this saga unfolds, Cubs fans are left to voice their opinions on the matter, with a wide range of reactions.

Cheers vs Jeers: Cubs’ fans weigh in on the Bregman saga

The rumor surrounding Alex Bregman’s potential move to the Chicago Cubs has stirred up a storm of opinions among the fanbase, creating a noticeable divide. The tension between urgency and caution has birthed a huge debate among the fans who are passionately voicing their opinions.

Six years might seem like a lifetime, but in the MLB, it is a small window to turn the ‘ifs and maybes’ into champions! After all it’s Alex Bregman. With the NL Central looking easy to conquer, fans believe Bregman could be the major key to turning the Cubs into serious contenders. He’s shown time and again that he can be a game-changer, and the Cubs are desperate for a reliable third baseman.

Some fans are firmly in the camp of caution, pointing out that Bregman’s age might not justify a long-term commitment. “He’s too old for a 6-year deal,” they argue, feeling that offering such a lengthy contract could be risky for a player who might not maintain peak performance for the entire duration. While his abilities are undeniable, they believe a shorter and more controlled contract might be a smarter option.

Times are changing, even stars like Pete Alonso have to settle for short-term deals. This perspective reflects the growing trend in MLB where even high-profile players are taking shorter deals to prove themselves, with the hope of securing a bigger, more lucrative contract later. Fans are starting to wonder if Bregman might need to take a similar approach and prove his value again before locking in a long-term commitment

An in-middle 5-year contract might just do the trick! A deal with the right balance – long enough to secure Bregman’s talent and stability, but not too long to risk future flexibility. Keeping in mind Bregman’s skillset, this might be a win-win situation for both parties.

A fan felt that Bregman had solid numbers last year, although it’s not quite the game-changer that justifies the huge contract. Meanwhile, Matt Shaw, with his impressive .284/.379/.488 line, 21 homers, and 31 steals might be a better option for the Cubs, offering a more upside and a more cost-effective solution.