Cubs Rumors: Jameson Taillon says former Astros have been vocal about Alex Bregman

Spring training is officially underway, yet the Chicago Cubs remain firmly on Alex Bregman watch. Not unlike last year's pursuit of Cody Bellinger, the team is in the middle of a staring contest with the free agent third-baseman, unwilling to go to the six or seven years he desires yet still firmly involved in the sweepstakes for his services in the short term. It will still be a stretch for the team to find a way to sign him given their insistence on staying below the luxury tax this year and their desire to leave some flexibility for the trade deadline.

Also like Bellinger, however, no other team seems ready to budge either. The offseason has played right into Jed Hoyer's hands where the possibility of landing Bregman on their terms is much higher than anyone could've imagined. With all the chatter about the possibility of another big mid-camp arrival, reporters are asking players about what's being said in the clubhouse, especially with two of Bregman's former Astros teammates, Ryan Pressly and Kyle Tucker, now playing for the Cubs.

Jameson Taillon was specifically questioned about whether Pressly and Tucker were getting in Bregman's ear about coming to Chicago. While he stopped just short of saying the pair were actively trying to recruit their old pal to the North Side, he had to pause for a moment and consider his words before detailing how vocal they were.

While there have been a few jokes about the Cubs trying to directly copy the Astros' winning recipe from the past several years with key players, there's something to be said about bringing over guys who drove that winning mindset in Houston. Bregman has been at the heart of that core since their first World Series and, even if 2017 may be tainted, their run of seven straight ALCS appearances from 2017 through 2023 is undeniably remarkable.

Naturally, Pressly and Tucker would be glad to see Chicago going all out to establish that winning culture with a guy who's coming off another solid season with a .260/.315/.453 slash line and a 118 wRC+. As exciting as the team's top prospect Matt Shaw is, adding certainty at third base could push this team firmly into 90-win territory. There are questions about how Bregman will age and whether such a signing could spur a trade for Nico Hoerner, but the front office clearly likes him as a piece that could finally get this team back into contention.

The former Astros aren't the only ones singing Bregman's praises and, perhaps, trying to pull him to Chicago. New minor league infield signing Nicky Lopez is quite close with the former Astro and expressed that he'd love to see him join the team. He's been regularly talking with Bregman about his free agency and again vouched for what he brings to the clubhouse as a team player. Of course, Lopez would actually have to make the team himself to be teammates with him, but he still finds value in having the third baseman around to lift everyone else up.

The Cubs may find out whether they're getting Alex Bregman soon

Scott Boras isn't afraid to push his clients deep into spring training to try and get the contract they want. Bellinger, for instance, didn't officially re-sign with the Cubs until February 25 last year. That said, a decision could be coming soon with Bregman if Buster Olney is to be believed. In a big Q&A write-up with the ESPN staff, he answered that the signing might be close at hand with the Cubs, Red Sox, and Tigers left as the most serious suitors. That may be more speculation than rumor though, but whether it's in one week or four, we'll just have to wait and keep our eyes and ears open as long as the Cubs are involved.