Looming Diamondbacks' decision could have a huge impact on the Cubs' offseason

Yet another twist in the Alex Bregman saga may be about to play out for the Chicago Cubs. Earlier in December, a report came out that linked the Arizona Diamondbacks to the third baseman as a potential suitor, particularly if they decided to deal Ketel Marte. The belief has been that they wouldn't be able to offer the contract expected of Bregman without first getting their other star infielder off the books. On the trade front, the snakes could be close to making a decision.

MLB.com wrote on Tuesday that Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen said the team was interested in wrapping up any Marte discussions sooner rather than later. “We’re very likely to put an end to this shortly,” he said, though an exact timeline hasn't been nailed down. While there were rumors of interest from Boston and other teams, it sounds likely that Marte will be staying put in Arizona for the 2026 season as the team aims to deploy its efforts elsewhere. No offer has apparently been close to what they're looking for to deal the 32-year-old switch-hitter.

“But this isn’t going to continue to linger. We need to focus our offseason. Again, my gut this whole time was that [a trade of Marte] wasn’t going to happen, and I think it seems likely that that’s the case and we want to focus on other things we need to do," Hazen continued regarding the status of a trade.

Marte staying put would more than likely take Arizona out of the running for Bregman, barring an out-of-nowhere surprise. Ken Rosenthal did envision a scenario where the Diamondbacks somehow get both in the fold, but that just doesn't realistically fit with what other insiders have said and Hazen's other stated goal of adding a first base/DH-type bat and more pitching. Either way, that would make one less suitor for the Cubs to beat out in the race to land the star, and easily one of the most unpredictable. Still lurking with various degrees of interest, however, are the Red Sox and Blue Jays.

Boston has shown reluctance so far to go to the lengths Bregman and agent Scott Boras desire, with Jared Carrabis even expressing doubt that they'll get a reunion done. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, could be dangerous, but they may have their eyes on an even bigger prize in Kyle Tucker. They've been very aggressive this offseason, though, signing Dylan Cease to a monster contract, Cody Ponce, and Tyler Rogers, so it's impossible to rule them out. It's still not the easiest path for the Cubs, who have also reportedly been unwilling to go longer term on a deal for Bregman.

Ketel Marte decision could signal an end for the Cubs' Alex Bregman saga

If Arizona is taking Marte off the market, that could also get the line moving on Bregman. Any teams, like Boston, that were interested in trading for the infielder may now be more aggressive in trying to lock down the third baseman, with that option now off the table. These two moves have been so tightly woven together that it wouldn't be surprising if other parties were waiting to see if the Diamondbacks would budge before turning their attention to Bregman.

The former Astro isn't the only option the Cubs have to craft a successful offseason. Signing Tatsuya Imai or landing another top starting pitcher has been their priority since day one to bolster a rotation that ran out of bullets by the time October came around. Coming off an injury-marred .273/.360/.462/125 wRC+ season, though, Bregman still fits this team well, making up for the offense lost with Tucker's impending departure and adding insurance in case of Nico Hoerner's departure after 2026. If the front office believes he's the best option to improve, for both the short and long term, then Jed Hoyer needs to be ready to pounce in case talks start to heat up.