{"id":562013,"date":"2026-02-09T05:31:54","date_gmt":"2026-02-09T05:31:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/562013\/"},"modified":"2026-02-09T05:31:54","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T05:31:54","slug":"new-chicago-cubs-star-sets-the-tone-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/562013\/","title":{"rendered":"New Chicago Cubs’ star sets the tone for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Cubs have made plenty of noise this offseason in an attempt to solidify their standing in the NL. The loss of Kyle Tucker<\/a> has been particularly troubling. However, the additions made should be more than enough to offset what he would have contributed offensively. One of those additions \u2013 star third baseman Alex Bregman, who was signed in January to a five-year deal<\/a> \u2013 had plenty to say about the Cubs ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

Alex Bregman Welcomes the Competition
\n\"AlexSep 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox third base Alex Bregman (2) hits a home run during the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Alex Bregman brings plenty of postseason experience to the Chicago Cubs. In fact, he\u2019s only spent the entirety of October at home during the 2016 season \u2013 his first one.<\/p>\n

Wally head, meet Alex Bregman! pic.twitter.com\/tm8JRi4SpZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Sox (@RedSox) April 7, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

This makes it no surprise that Bregman has the competitiveness to lay down his thoughts about the 2026 season in an interview with RG\u2019s Kyle Odegard.<\/a> Alex Bregman believes the Cubs have enough to be competitive in a crowded National League, including being right there in October with the Dodgers:<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the things that is so fun is playing October baseball. I feel like that\u2019s why we play the game. I want to play October baseball at Wrigley.\u201d<\/p>\n

When he was asked about being ready to take on the Dodgers? He said 100%.<\/p>\n

After spending his entire career with the American League, Bregman joins the Cubs at a time when the Los Angeles Dodgers are the team to beat. When he\u2019s at his best, he should be able to help lead this Cubs team on a postseason run.<\/p>\n

The Fit for Alex Bregman in Chicago
\n\"AlexAug 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

One concern for Bregman over the past few seasons has been his offensive decline. While he didn\u2019t wipe away the concerns entirely in 2025 due to an injury while playing for the Boston Red Sox, he feels he\u2019ll fit right in at Wrigley:<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I hit the ball to the left-center field gap. I drive the ball to the pull side in the air. And I\u2019ll try to hit doubles line to line.\u201d<\/p>\n

While not a true power hitter, Alex Bregman brings a lot to the offense. This includes a knack for hitting doubles and being a stalwart defender. Even with his quad injury last season, he hit 28 doubles and slashed .273\/.360\/.462.<\/p>\n

One thing is for certain: if the Cubs plan on making a deep October run, they\u2019ll need Alex Bregman at his best. By all accounts, Bregman seems ready to give just that.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

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