New MLB rumor reveals Chicago Cubs immediate fallback plan if pursuit of Alex Bregman fails

It is far from a lock that the Chicago Cubs sign Alex Bregman in free agency this week. That is why a new MLB rumor has revealed the player they will quickly pivot to if they fail in their pursuit of the Houston Astros star.

MLB camps around the league are either open or set to do so very soon. As teams arrive in Florida and Arizona, the rosters for the 2025 MLB season are pretty set. Sure, the 26-man rosters for a lot of teams are not set in stone but few are expected to make a major addition before the season begins in over a month.

However, there is still one major player still shockingly available in free agency, and that is Alex Bregman. Various reports in recent days have claimed the chase for the two-time All-Star is down to three teams. The Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs. And a final decision is imminent.

The Cubbies have not landed many major free agents in recent seasons. So it is hard to believe they are favorites to land the Astros legend. That is why they likely have backup plans if they don’t sign the third baseman. And this week The Athletic revealed the player the club is expected to quickly pivot to if Bregman signs elsewhere.

Alex Bregman stats (2024): .260 AVG, .315 OBP, .453 SLG, .768 OPS, 26 HR, 79 RBI, 75 R

Chicago Cubs will pivot to Justin Turner if they fail to sign Alex Bregman

“The Chicago Cubs, continuing to explore options even after the start of their spring training, are considering free agent Justin Turner as a potential addition in case Alex Bregman signs with another team,” multiple league sources told the outlet.

Turner is also reportedly under consideration by the Red Sox and Tigers as well if the Cubs were able to persuade Bregman to bring his talents to Chicago.

Justin Turner stats (2024): 48 G, .264 AVG, .363 OBP, .403 SLG, .766 OPS, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 22 R

Turner is well passed his prime at 40 years old and won’t make the same impact as Bregman. However, the 16-year veteran is still a very competent player this late in his career and has a resume of strong play in big games and the playoffs. Furthermore, he would come at less than half the cost of Bregman.