Alex Bregman’s sobering honesty just sent Cubs season to a breaking point

Alex Bregman's arrival with the Chicago Cubs was not only meant to make up for the mistake that was Jed Hoyer not landing Bregman last year, but signal that the Cubs were ready to be taken seriously as a World Series contender. In reality, Bregman's 2026 season could ultimately prove to be an indictment of Jed Hoyer and the direction moving forward.

Bregman is currently projected to have the worst offensive season of his career. Through his first 297 plate appearances this season, Bregman is slashing .243/.327/.342 with a wRC+ of 93.

Making matters worse is that Bregman has routinely been up with runners in scoring position this season and has nothing to show for it. In 84 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, Bregman is slashing .173/.250/.187 with a wRC+ of 22.

For as much as the Cubs talked up Bregman's leadership and value to the clubhouse, there needs to be production on the field. Hoyer extended outside of his comfort zone with Bregman, signing him to a five-year deal worth $175 million. The deal represented the first time the Cubs included significant contract deferrals, signaling how important Hoyer viewed Bregman's addition to the roster.

Alex Bregman's comments suggest Cubs have a looming problem

While there's no hiding the disappointment that has been Bregman's impact on the field, the veteran third baseman isn't shying away from his struggles. Speaking with reporters after Sunday's loss to the San Francisco Giants, Bregman had some candid remarks about his first season with the Cubs.

“Those can be directed at me because I haven’t come through with guys in scoring position,” Bregman told reporters. “I have plenty of chances. Guys are getting on base in front of me all the time. I feel like we got traffic out there all the time, so it’s time to start coming through. It’s past due.”

Given Bregman's struggles this season, it's fair to go back to a talking point from last year. There was some concern that Bregman's swing profile may not be a match for Wrigley Field. Those concerns appear to be validated through the start of June this season. Bregman's wRC+ on the road is 117, and falls to 72 when he is at Wrigley Field. In his love for Bregman, the person, it's fard ot wonder if Hoyer ignored the questionable fit the player was at this point of his career.

Unfortunately, other than Bregman getting better and returning to his career expectations, there is no solving this problem for the Cubs. Given the contract he has, Bregman isn't going anywhere.

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