Cubs News: Alex Bregman's suitors, trade fit with Seattle Mariners, Nick Madrigal

In the week ahead, the Chicago Cubs will likely finalize their preparations for the Winter Meetings taking place during the second week of December.

There is a chance that this year's Winter Meetings could be filled with action as the expectation is that Juan Soto will sign during the event. Beyond the conclusion of Soto's free agency, a trade of Garrett Crochet is also expected to be completed by the Chicago White Sox at the Winter Meetings.

The Cubs will likely need to wait for that fallout before they begin making any moves of consequence. The Cubs have added relief pitcher Eli Morgan and catcher Matt Thaiss within the last week but neither is expected to be their primary method of improving their Major League roster for the 2025 season.

Short of a blockbuster trade, it would seem that the Cubs are going to patch together their roster for the 2025 season. A roster that will likely be heavily influenced by the team's top prospects and won't include Cody Bellinger.

Cubs News: Alex Bregman coming to the North Side?

In wondering what is next for Alex Bregman, MLB Network suggested that the Chicago Cubs are among the suitors for the former Houston Astros' third baseman.

No. There is no scenario this offseason where the Cubs are a potential suitor for Alex Bregman. With Isaac Paredes at third base and Matt Shaw knocking on the door of the Major League level, the Cubs will not be involved in Bregman's bidding. But while we are on the subject of this type of graphic, note that the Cubs are almost always going to be listed on these types of images because of the engagement it will create from the fanbase. The inclusion doesn't always mean there is real interest from the Cubs in said player.

Cubs News: Seattle Mariners could solve the Chicago Cubs' pitching need

We've talked earlier this offseason how the Seattle Mariners could be the answer for the Chicago Cubs' pitching need this winter and it's a fit that continues to gain steam. In pointing out that the Cubs could look to the trade market to improve their starting rotation, The Athletic (Subscription Required) mentions that the Mariners are the team to look at.

The Mariners, with several cost-controlled starting pitchers to offer, are looking for middle infield help. As the Winter Meetings approach, a trade between the Cubs and Mariners is something to keep an eye on with Nico Hoerner potentially being on the table.

Cubs News: Nick Madrigal could never get on track

Injuries defined Nick Madrigal's tenure with the Chicago Cubs since being acquired by the team in 2021, and while his time with the Cubs came to an end last week, a reminder of why he never lived up to expectations on the North Side.

It's an important reminder for the Cubs as they construct their bench for the 2025 season. The Cubs will need pop on their bench and while losing Patrick Wisdom goes against that, they need to find balance. The type of balance that could see the bench filled with several of the team's top prospects such as James Triantos and Kevin Alcantara.