The Chicago Cubs reported for spring training with general manager Carter Hawkins and skipper Craig Counsell both asked about recent MLB rumors linking the team to Alex Bregman. While the All-Star third baseman is very much on the club’s radar, contract talks don’t seem to be going well.
Chicago is the heavy favorite to win the NL Central heading into the season. While the organization is excited about the future at the hot corner with top prospect Matt Shaw, the team ideally would like him to start the year at the Triple-A level. Signing Bregman would add another All-Star bat to the Cubs lineup and he could also slide over to second base when Shaw is ready to come up to Chicago.
- Alex Bregman stats (ESPN): .260/.315/.453, .768 OPS, 26 home runs, 75 RBI
The two sides have been engaged in contract negotiations this winter, especially as of late with Bregman still sitting in MLB free agency. However, the odds of the two-time World Series champion reuniting with teammates Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly in Chicago seem to be fading.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs remain in talks with Bregman’s agent Scott Boras with spring training underway. However, Chicago is only willing to offer the Gold Glove Award winner a three-year deal, which is much shorter than Bregman wants.
Related: Alex Bregman contract demands revealed in recent MLB rumors
- Chicago Cubs payroll 2025 (FanGraphs): $191 million
The contract length specifically matters in this case because of what other teams are offering. Nightengale reports that the Houston Astros, Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox all have standing offers of four-plus years, with one of those clubs proposing a six-year contract.
Even if the average annual salary in Chicago’s offer is higher and the team provides him with a player option after the 2025 season, he is looking for long-term security. With Cubs ownership pretty adamant about maintaining long-term financial flexibility, it seems unlikely right now that Bregman will wind up a part of the Cubs lineup in 2025.
Related: Promising Houston Astros news on Alex Bregman contract talks