New Cubs star Alex Bregman shines in MLB Network's third baseman rankings

As we reflected on an exciting, but ultimately disappointing, 2025 Chicago Cubs season, looking around the diamond, there was one clear opportunity to upgrade the starting lineup: third base.

And that's exactly what Jed Hoyer did, signing Alex Bregman to a five-year deal and immediately upgrading the hot corner, while offsetting the loss of Kyle Tucker, who eventually signed a record-setting deal with the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. And it's not just that Bregman was an upgrade over the status quo: he's one of the best third basemen in the league.

MLB Network ranks Alex Bregman as #3 third baseman in the game

MLB Now released its annual third base rankings and Bregman checked in #3 overall, trailing behind only Max Muncy of the Dodgers and the clear-cut leader at the hot corner in Jose Ramirez. He bested big names like Matt Chapman, Manny Machado and Junior Caminero, a testament to just how big of a move this was for Chicago.

Last season, third base featured the likes of Matt Shaw, Vidal Brujan, Justin Turner, Jon Berti, Nicky Lopez and Willi Castro - with Shaw establishing himself as the go-to guy at the position as the year wore on. Even so, it was an inconsistent rookie showing for the former first-rounder, who played well in the second half, but went quiet in October.

Now, with Bregman locked in at third, Shaw is pushed into a utility role - which deepens the Cubs' bench, a major weakness for the 2025 club. Bregman's production on both sides of the ball is projected to match what Tucker delivers for the Dodgers so, at least on paper, this should be a better position player group than we saw last year.

We cannot simply evaluate the Bregman addition by what he does on the field, either. He's noted as a top-notch clubhouse guy, a player who is ready and willing to lead those around him and set the tone for a winning team. That's what he's done - at every step in his career. The Cubs are betting big on him bringing that championship-caliber presence to Wrigley Field in 2026 and beyond.