In the Bregman deal, the Cubs signed off on a 5-year, $175 million contract which, in and of itself, is pretty surprising given the team\u2019s recent spending trajectory. Especially surprising was the fact that the Ricketts family ownership agreed on a contract using deferred money, something which they had steadfastly refused to do in the past (including in their failed bid to sign Bregman last offseason).<\/p>\n
By all accounts, Chicago was uncharacteristically aggressive in getting the three-time All-Star on board, reportedly swooping in from the back of the \u201cinterested\u201d line, behind the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks, to get their man.<\/p>\n
Why the Cubs were \u201call in\u201d on Bregman
\n![\"Alex](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_26837711_168419782_lowres-886x600.jpg\"\/)
Aug 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) runs to first base on a single during the ninth inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
More News: Chicago Cubs add righty and lefty relievers in wake of Edward Cabrera trade<\/a><\/p>\n Part of that, of course, is due to the fact that Bregman is a really good, multi-faceted player. An elite contact hitter who averages 28 home runs per 162 games<\/a>, he matches the career offensive stats of outgoing right fielder Kyle Tucker and will fill the lineup hole created by his departure. He\u2019s also a top-notch defender at third, with a Gold Glove award in 2024 to prove it.<\/p>\n However, a big motivating factor in the Cubs going \u201call in\u201d on Bregman (and bucking standard business operating procedure to do so), may lie in what the team sees in their immediate future.<\/p>\n Chicago is facing an absolute tidal wave of departures after the 2026 season as multiple contracts are set to expire. Barring extensions signed during the season or activated options, here are the players headed toward free agency:<\/p>\n Ian Happ The mass exodus of talent after 2026 That\u2019s thirteen players\u2013 half of their 2026 projected 26-man roster. Any way you look at it, this represents a huge degree of uncertainty as the veteran core of the team may be gone after next season. The loss of Hoerner, Happ, Suzuki, Boyd, and Taillon will hit especially hard as they make up a good part of the team\u2019s heart-and-soul nucleus.<\/p>\n Fears of that kind of loss are probably what compelled the Cubs to get very un-Cubs-like in going after Bregman.<\/p>\n The 10-year MLB veteran is known for his leadership qualities and character, doused in praise by both teammates and coaching during his time with the Houston Astros as well as his one-year 2025 run with the Red Sox. One couldn\u2019t find better cornerstone leadership for a soft rebuild.<\/p>\n The Cubs, realistically, may lose all thirteen of their free agent-bound veterans. Even in a best case scenario, they stand to lose at least ten of the thirteen.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why securing Bregman was approached with such urgency. Nobody in the deep end of this year\u2019s free agent talent pool provides the intangibles that Bregman does.<\/p>\n The impending mass exodus after 2026 is also also likely why the Cubs were okay with spending so freely.<\/p>\n Laying the foundation for a new Cubs team With the potential departures, about $130 million could also be coming off the books. Signing a proven asset to what amounts to a $30 million-per-season deal (after deferrals) is not so mind-boggling when one looks at the Cubs\u2019 big picture.<\/p>\n After the coming season, the core of the team will skew young\u2013 and cheap\u2013 with Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, Cade Horton, Matt Shaw, Daniel Palencia, Moises Ballesteros, Miguel Amaya, and possibly top pitching prospect Jaxon Wiggins earning at or near league minimum. Even veteran holdovers Justin Steele, Javier Assad, and now Edward Cabrera or on relative cheapo deals.<\/p>\n Chicago will have a huge opportunity to reshape their major league roster after next season\u2013 and lots of money with which to do it. But they need a sound, steady foundation laid before that.<\/p>\n Alex Bregman stands to be a key part of that foundation. And the Cubs were willing to spend handsomely to make that happen.<\/p>\n Chicago Cubs listening to offers on Nico Hoerner, but not shopping him, per insider \t\tFor More Great Chicago Sports Content<\/p>\n Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News<\/a>, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.<\/p>\n Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23<\/a> for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE <\/a><\/p>\n
Seiya Suzuki
Nico Hoerner
Matthew Boyd
Jameson Taillon
Shota Imanaga
Carson Kelly
Colin Rea
Caleb Thielbar
Hoby Milner
Jacon Webb
Hunter Harvey
Tyler Austin<\/p>\n
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Nov 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;
Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer speaks before introducing Craig Counsell as new Cubs manager during a press conference in Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n
\n![\"Alex](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/USATSI_26146680_168419782_lowres-851x600.jpg\"\/)
May 10, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) throws to first base in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images<\/p>\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/USATSI_26286620-scaled.jpg\"\/)
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