Alex Bregman remains unsigned - and according to a local report from 670 The Score, the Gold Glover isn't in love with the idea of joining the Detroit Tigers or Toronto Blue Jays.
That leaves the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs as the top rumored suitors for the two-time All-Star third baseman. The only problem is neither of those front offices has reached a consensus on Bregman - and with folks in each corner, it's unclear how this will shake out.
Spiegs is hearing that Alex Bregman isn't all that interested in signing with the Tigers or Blue Jays.
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) February 3, 2025
Spiegs also believes there's a split opinion in the front offices of the Cubs and Red Sox about whether to sign Bregman.
Listen to full segment: https://t.co/tTWJtpdR1E pic.twitter.com/bElZTOFYeB
Heading into the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors pegged Bregman as the #3 player in this winter's free agent class - predicting a seven-year, $182 million contract for the longtime Astros staple. That feels wildly heavy at this point, especially considering Houston has had a six-year, $156 million offer out to him all winter long and he's yet to accept.
It feels highly unlikely the Cubs push past a five-year deal for Bregman given he'll play the 2025 season at age-31. This is a front office that seems adamant about avoiding dead money on long-term contracts and paying a corner infielder into his late-30s would be a pretty remarkable about-face from Jed Hoyer at this point.
Last season saw some potential warning signs rear their heads when it comes to Bregman. He posted a career-worst xOBP after his walk rate cratered and his chase rate climbed to a personal high. Defensively, he graded out well and won a Gold Glove - but the Cubs (and any other interested team) want the whole package, especially given his rumored asking price.
That being said, it's easy to see the allure to those within the organization pushing for the Cubs to pull the trigger on the signing and bring him into the fold with pitchers and catchers less than a week from reporting. There are a few ways that scenario could play out - and almost all of them could lead to a more well-rounded roster (at least in the short term).
- Chicago signs Bregman and either lets Matt Shaw get some more time at Iowa or slots him into a utility role off the bench to open the year. Shaw could learn from the incredibly talented trio of Bregman, Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner while giving high-ceiling insurance behind three-quarters of the team's infielders. There are worse ways to have your top prospect learn on the job.
- Cubs sign Bregman, then use Hoerner as a trade chip - perhaps in a deal to acquire someone like Dylan Cease, immediately upgrading the rotation. Shaw slides from third to second and takes the reins as the team's Opening Day second baseman.
Losing Hoerner would hurt (he's one of the most underrated and underappreciated players not just on this team but in the entire league) but if you can get Bregman in 2025 at his best (a 4.0 WAR) player for the next few years, he could be the difference between being a division contender and being a real threat to fight for a pennant come October.
The question dividing front offices, though, is what the long-term looks like.