4 burning questions already hovering over Chicago Cubs spring training

Most Chicago Cubs players have already reported to spring training, despite the first official team workout not taking place until this weekend. It speaks to the excitement that surrounds the Cubs after an offseason where they acted like the big-market team they were afraid to be in recent years. Signing Alex Bregman and trading for Edward Cabrera represent the Cubs pushing their chips to the middle of the table, expecting to be a true contender during the 2026 season.

As spring training gets underway, the Cubs' Opening Day roster is mostly complete. Beyond that, there's a general sense of the role each player will be serving in. It's why Craig Counsell wasted no time in naming Daniel Palencia the team's closer to open the season.

4 burning questions as the Cubs enter spring training

That doesn't mean there aren't questions facing the Cubs. Between Bregman's impact on potential contract extensions, the news cycle certainly won't be quiet for the North Siders over the next two months.

How quickly will Alex Bregman's impact be felt?

No, the Cubs didn't extend beyond their comfort zone to sign Bregman solely because of the intangibles he brings behind the scenes. Bregman is the definitive answer at third base that the Cubs haven't had since the days of Kris Bryant. That's the primary reason why the Cubs chased Bregman last year, and ensured they didn't miss for a second consecutive offseason this time around.

That being said, Bregman's reputation as a mentor and leader in the clubhouse is clearly why Jed Hoyer fell in love with him. Bregman's impact is already being felt. The Athletic's (subscription required) Ken Rosenthal had specific pieces of information that suggest Bregman has already been a leading voice on the Cubs this offseason. Between telling Hoby Milner about a tell in his delivery or helping with Pete Crow-Armstrong's adjustments, Bregman is already putting in the work behind the scenes.

Can the Nico Hoerner trade rumors be put to rest?

Nico Hoerner trade rumors can be traced back to last season. Once the Cubs signed Bregman, the rumors seemed to reach a fever pitch. With the Boston Red Sox pivoting away from trade talks with the Cubs, the impression was that Hoerner trade rumors can officially be silenced.

That's not quite the case. Unless Hoerner signs a contract extension with the Cubs before Opening Day, the trade rumors can't be ignored. Jed Hoyer and Co. are always going to listen, and that could include Hoerner potentially being moved in July, if a scenario exists where the Cubs aren't in contention, or Matt Shaw is clearly ready to be playing every day.

Will the Cubs get a contract extension done before Opening Day?

Hoerner, Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, Carson Kelly, Matthew Boyd, Jameson Taillon, and Shota Imanaga top the list of free agents next offseason. It's going to be a weak free-agent class, so there can be an argument that each player would be willing to test the free-agent market. In the case of Hoerner, Happ, and Suzuki, they could all be among the best position players available next winter.

Getting a contract extension done before Opening Day is not impossible, but the likeliest candidate may be someone who isn't an impending free agent. Getting a long-term deal done with Pete Crow-Armstrong should be the priority for the Cubs this spring, and despite a failed attempt last year, the two sides remain on good terms. Time is also on the Cubs' side in terms of getting a deal done.

Are the Cubs done making moves before Opening Day?

A front office is never truly done when it comes to looking for ways to improve the major league roster. In recent years, the Cubs have had some lofty pursuits as spring training has gotten underway. The benefit to already having Bregman and Cabrera on the roster is that the Cubs can be more selective with the moves they look to get done at this moment.

Zac Gallen remains on the free-agent market and could be the opportunistic deal that the Cubs love to seek out this time of year. Other than that, it's not out of the question that they look for a more established fourth outfielder. Neither move may be likely, but the Cubs likely aren't done piecing together their roster for 2026.