Winter Meetings rumor has Cubs eyeing bizarre backup for Alex Bregman

Over the weekend, there was an uptick in rumors connecting the Chicago Cubs to free-agent third basemen, with reports confirming they not only have renewed interest in Alex Bregman, but also are keeping an eye on Eugenio Suarez. Both Bregman and Suarez were connected to the Cubs at the MLB trade deadline, and for differing reasons, it makes sense why Chicago would circle back to either player this offseason.

Bregman remains an above-average fielder at third base, and his bat, while showing some power regression, would help the Cubs' efforts to replace Kyle Tucker's impact. Meanwhile, Suarez has the power that the Cubs are projected to lack next season, but more importantly, his age and struggles with the Seattle Mariners likely point to him taking a short-term, high-AAV deal.

In adding to the trend of connecting the Cubs to available third basemen this winter, Bruce Levine's preview of the Winter Meetings has a new name added to the mix. While mentioning the interest the Cubs have in Bregman, the MLB insider suggests that the Cubs view Japanese free-agent infielder Munetaka Murakami as a fallback option if their talks with Bregman stall.

Munetaka Murakami does have the power the Cubs lack, but his roster fit is questionable at best.

Murakami's power numbers in Japan suggest he is more than capable of hitting 30 home runs in a season, but his struggles against high-velocity pitches have some wondering how exactly his profile will project at the Major League level. Add in that some talent evaluators question if Murakami will stay at third base, and it's hard to see a scenario where the Cubs make him a priority this offseason, even if they do miss once again on Bregman.

Circumstances could change that for the Cubs. For example, if Owen Caissie is somehow included in a trade for a cost-controlled starting pitcher, the Cubs could eye Murakami as a potential designated hitter. Only 25 years old, even with his concerns, Murakami does have a high ceiling.

Kazuma Okamoto, another Japanese free agent who has been posted this offseason, would seemingly be the better fallback option for the Cubs. His defense projects better than Murakami's, and his immediate floor may also be higher. Capable of playing both corner infield spots, Okamato will add a layer of versatility to the Cubs' roster while not costing as much as Murakami.