Cubs Rumors: Mixed messages on Alex Bregman, thinking about a Nico Hoerner trade

Another free-agent fit for the Chicago Cubs is off the board after Kazuma Okamoto signed a four-year, $60 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. More on that later today - for now, let's dial in on a trio of different infielders with varying connections to the North Siders.

Chicago has been remarkably quiet this winter, focusing almost solely on rebuilding a bullpen that lost all of its top relievers, sans Daniel Palencia. Assuming Kyle Tucker doesn't return in free agency, Jed Hoyer has done nothing to offset that loss and, at present, seems poised to push his chips in on youngsters Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros.

That being said, things could change between now and Opening Day - and Alex Bregman and Bo Bichette are two of the biggest free-agent names still available.

Alex Bregman rumors seem to love everyone - except the Cubs

A recent run of reports continually mention the Cubs as a team with interest in Alex Bregman, but virtually none of them see Chicago as a front-runner for the three-time All-Star. Toronto was rumored to be a major player for him, but after signing Okamoto, we can likely cross them off the list.

The two biggest suitors still standing, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, are the Arizona Diamondbacks and Boston Red Sox. Other reports tend to believe Bregman returning to Boston is the most probable outcome here, and Craig Breslow has reportedly made an 'aggressive offer'.

All signs point to this being another case of the Cubs doing their due diligence and checking in on a big name, but little more than that. If his market doesn't materialize, maybe Hoyer can pull something off, but it doesn't sound like anyone sees Bregman manning the hot corner at Wrigley Field in 2026.

Bo Bichette's free agent market continues to expand by the day

Add the Cubs to the list of teams with reported interest in free agent infielder Bo Bichette. The Cubs join the likes of the Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Red Sox and, most recently, the Phillies, as teams with their eye on the 27-year-old superstar.

The only way Bichette makes sense for the Cubs if if Hoyer moves Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner for a major arm - a move that would surely draw critcism from the fanbase. But if Chicago is confident they can't re-sign Hoerner at season's end, they could bite the bullet and look to turn him into a long-term piece this winter. Move Hoerner, sign Bichette? Never say never, but I wouldn't bet on this taking shape. It's a lot of moving parts and Hoerner is an integral piece of this team's identity.