Projecting a 2026 Cubs lineup if latest Alex Bregman free agent rumor materializes

After coming up short in their pursuit of Alex Bregman last winter, the general sentiment is the Chicago Cubs aren't bluffing as they re-engage with the three-time All-Star, who opted out of his deal with the Boston Red Sox after just one season.

With Kyle Tucker all but guaranteed to play somewhere new in 2026 after spending his platform year in Wrigleyville, fans want to see Jed Hoyer get aggressive and build on the team's 92-win performance - not roll the dice, hoping and praying rookies Owen Caissie and Moises Ballesteros can replace the lost offense.

If a Bregman deal comes to fruition, it not only offsets the loss of Tucker, but has a far-reaching effect on the roster. Here's what the Cubs' lineup could look like in 2026 with Bregman in tow.

A 2026 Cubs lineup featuring Alex Bregman at the hot corner

1. Nico Hoerner - 2B
2. Ian Happ - LF
3. Alex Bregman - 3B
4. Seiya Suzuki - DH
5. Michael Busch - 1B
6. Carson Kelly - C
7. Pete Crow-Armstrong - CF
8. Dansby Swanson - SS
9. Owen Caissie - RF

Call me old-fashioned, but Nico Hoerner checks every box for me as a leadoff hitter. Elite bat-to-ball skills, speed and high baseball IQ. Ian Happ in the two-hole gives Craig Counsell a switch-hitting power threat capable of working counts and grinding out at-bats and Alex Bregman brings a strong power stroke to the middle of the order.

From there, Seiya Suzuki returns as the full-time DH and the somehow-still-underrated Michael Busch slots into the six hole coming off a 34-homer 2025 campaign. Veteran Carson Kelly will look to repeat his breakout performance and the bottom of the order features a potent mix of 30/30 threat Pete Crow-Armstrong, veteran Dansby Swanson and rookie outfielder and top prospect Owen Caissie.

There's more than that, though. With Bregman as the everyday third baseman, Matt Shaw gets pushed into a superutility role - an immediate boost to the bench that lacked impact options this season. Shaw could be joined by a mix of Moises Ballesteros, Miguel Amaya, Jonathon Long and/or yet-to-be-determined offseason additions.

Bregman's presence makes you feel a lot better about letting things ride with Caissie in right because the Cubs wouldn't be depending on him to hit the ground running the way they would if they stick with Shaw at third. A Bregman signing, paired with a trade for a top-of-the-rotation arm and more bullpen additions could have Chicago poised to take aim at the top of the Central for the first time since 2020.