Cubs Rumors: Team has talked with Scott Boras about a short-term Alex Bregman deal

That'll turn some heads. According to MLB insider Bruce Levine, the Chicago Cubs and agent Scott Boras have had "casual talks" on a short-term deal to bring two-time All-Star and World Series champion third baseman Alex Bregman to Chicago.

The report certainly doesn't sound conclusive, and the only reason the Cubs are in this conversation is because Bregman's market is fairly dry at the moment, possibly giving Jed Hoyer a chance to strike. The Houston Astros were the most likely candidate to offer the third baseman a contract, but the Cubs incidentally played a part in preventing a reunion. The Cubs sent Isaac Paredes to Houston in the Kyle Tucker trade and he is now projected to start at the hot corner for the 2022 World Series champions.

The Boston Red Sox have been connected to Bregman all winter, but that could involve Bregman playing second base in Boston according to manager Alex Cora. The Detroit Tigers also have the positional need and payroll flexibility for Bregman, but a deal still hasn't been struck with just about a month until spring training. Other potential suitors include the Phillies, Blue Jays and Mets.

The Cubs' president of baseball operations is certainly hoping the lack of concrete suitors, or Bregman's unwillingness to sign with certain clubs, will entice him on a short stint in Chicago. This type of deal would likely be similar to Cody Bellinger's contract, which included opt-outs after each year.

Is Alex Bregman a fit for the Chicago Cubs?

The short answer is yes. The Cubs' biggest need on offense at the moment is third base. Matt Shaw, the team's top-ranked prospect, is the best option, but there are concerns. Shaw is more of a natural second baseman because of his fringy arm strength. The 22-year-old has also yet to make his MLB debut, and it's uncertain how he will handle big-league pitching. Adding Bregman would give Shaw another year to develop in Triple-A, or even allow him to play a key bench role if the team decides to break camp with him in a utility role.

Bregman would also slot in nicely in the middle of the order, giving the Cubs another 25-home run threat who plays Gold Glove-caliber defense. The 30-year-old is a nine-year MLB veteran with a pair of World Series rings who could provide a winning presence in the clubhouse.

If it were up to me, I'd offer Bregman a longer-term contract just to settle the third base issue. Bregman is a very solid player who still has years' worth of quality production left in him. Shaw is better positioned to eventually take over at second base, and is still young enough (22) to put on the back burner for now. Third base needs a player with more tested experience and Bregman is by far the best option available in this free agent class (and the next one for that matter).

But Hoyer is likely only interested in a deal that has financial flexibility for the team. The Cubs have been notoriously stingy when it comes to free-agent signings under his regime and that trend has reached a truly frustrating juncture this offseason. Instead of pursuing a top starting pitcher like Corbin Burnes or Max Fried, they opted for budget-friendly guys like Colin Rea and Matthew Boyd. And instead of guaranteeing a seamless offseason to their best player, they are heading toward an arbitration hearing with Tucker over a measly $2.5 million. All while the team is still about $40 million below the first luxury tax threshold.

I don't expect Bregman, who will be 31 in March, to settle for the type of deal Bellinger did, especially because he is several years older than Bellinger (28) was when he signed it. But the Cubs can afford to give him what he's looking for and they'd be wise to do so after trading away most of their third base depth last month.