All signs are pointing to the Chicago Cubs having several suitors for Kyle Tucker in free agency this offseason. He has been linked to multiple teams and was even spotted visiting the Toronto Blue Jays‘ facilities in Florida.
Toronto added Dylan Cease last week on a seven-year deal. They appear to be trying to load up for another run in 2026. As far as the Cubs go, they will need to find a way to replace Tucker if he does leave. One name that is being linked to Chicago is Boston Red Sox free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. He opted out of his three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox.
Cubs Reportedly Considering Alex Bregman in Free Agency
According to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic on Thursday, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer identified Bregman as a target. He approached ownership about potentially targeting him.
“In making his presentation to the Ricketts family, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer identified Bregman as a great fit with this core group and a solid long-term investment. Chicago’s ownership group authorized Hoyer to make Bregman a four-year, $115 million offer that included opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons, according to sources briefed on the negotiations,” the outlet wrote.
Bregman opted out of his deal with the Red Sox after just one season. He could still return there, but with Scott Boras as a client, he’ll be in no rush to make a decision. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that there is interest from the Detroit Tigers and Blue Jays, along with the Cubs, for Bregman.
“Alex Bregman could be a Blue Jays fit, too, if they’re unable to re-sign Bo Bichette, Heyman wrote. “Bregman is in excellent shape with the Tigers and Cubs both with interest and, of course, the incumbent/favored Red Sox.”
Matt Shaw, a 24-year-old rising prospect, played 126 games at third base for the Cubs in 2025. He slashed .226/.295/.394 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs with 21 doubles. He had a 3.1 WAR, but if you can add a veteran like Bregman and the front office signs off on it, you make the push.
Cubs Putting Kyle Tucker Back Up Plan in Place
Things are going to heat up surrounding Tucker at the Winter Meetings starting this weekend in Orlando. As for Bregman, the Cubs were one of the teams in on him last year. It appears they will be again.
“After a failed bid to sign Bregman last spring training, the Cubs have shown renewed interest in the All-Star third baseman, according to sources briefed on the club’s offseason planning,” wrote Mooney and Sharma.
If Chicago’s offer to Bregman is four years and $115 million, that might not get it done. ESPN predicted a five-year, $160 million contract in November. Most predictions have it going anywhere between $115-$160 million.
Adding Bregman would be a big addition for the Cubs. He would give manager Craig Counsell options with the lineup. He does come with injury concerns, as he missed 48 games for Boston last year. However, when he was healthy, he was still productive. It’s not surprising that the Cubs will be making a pitch to him.
