Ridiculous Alex Bregman statistic shows exactly why Cubs believe in him long-term

Through the first seven games of his Chicago Cubs tenure, Alex Bregman has done a lot to quickly endear himself to the fanbase. While his baseball card numbers leave something to be desired (.214/.313/.429), overall he grades out well (114 wRC+) and the advanced metrics are especially encouraging.

He grades out well defensively (3 OAA) and his chase, whiff, squared-up, strikeout and walk rates are all elite - but one set of numbers is especially eye-catching, courtesy of Rushing Baseball on X.

That is an insane eye - and one of the reasons the Cubs' front office was comfortable going to five years on a guy who just turned 32 last week. His success at the plate is largely rooted in his decision-making (his bat speed ranks in the bottom third of the league entering Sunday) and Jed Hoyer clearly feels good about his bat aging deep into his 30s.

Alex Bregman is doing everything right at the plate right now

Bregman has used the whole field in the early-going, another promising sign for the three-time All-Star. The Cubs, as a team, haven't quite clicked offensively yet, and are definitely coming up short in the power department (their .342 SLG ranks 24th in baseball) - but there are a lot of encouraging signs under the hood.

I'm sure Bregman wouldn't mind a higher average or more extra-base pop in his numbers apart from his two home runs, but he's making good decisions and has walked as much as he's struck out. The numbers will come and he (and the Cubs) are well aware of that - there's no panic in the room on that front.

It'll be especially exciting to see these types of swing decisions paired with a fully healthy Cubs lineup once Seiya Suzuki concludes his rehab assignment. His presence would drastically lengthen this group (not to mention address that missing power problem) and Bregman setting the table will be a sight to see as Chicago looks to hit its stride heading into a tough back half of the month.