Alex Bregman’s free agency saga has one clear answer in this team originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

A quiet offseason for the Chicago Cubs, focused on building stability in their rotation and bullpen, may come to a head in short order, as star third baseman Alex Bregman is rumored to be close to signing. The Cubs are expected to pursue the free agent aggressively.

With the team likely to part ways with outfielder Kyle Tucker due to his high price tag, signing Bregman would allow Chicago to save money while adding an elite veteran hitter to anchor its young lineup.

After being eliminated by divisional rivals, the Milwaukee Brewers, in Game 5 of the National League Division Series, a Bregman signing could give the Cubs’ front office the boost it needs to reassure fans that the team remains in contention and is ready to reclaim the division title.

Alex Bregman may be Cubs’ missing piece in championship puzzle

Bregman enjoyed a resurgence with the Boston Red Sox last season, batting .273 with 18 home runs and 118 hits, earning his first All-Star appearance since 2019. He did, however, miss more than two months of the season with a right quadriceps strain.

Despite the injury, the Cubs have reportedly shown a strong interest in Bregman. His experience, elite glove and consistent bat would give Chicago a cornerstone player capable of mentoring a young roster.

Bregman would slot seamlessly into a left-heavy lineup and help shore up an offense that struggled in the 2025 postseason, hitting poorly with runners in scoring position and scoring fewer than three runs in each of their losses.

Bregman’s potential fit with the Cubs has also sparked speculation that his addition could lead to a trade involving Gold Glove second baseman Nick Hoerner, allowing Chicago to reclaim assets to bolster its bullpen.

According to USA Today MLB columnist Bob Nightengale, the Cubs have already offered Bregman a four-year, $120 million contract. Reports indicate, however, that Bregman is seeking long-term stability and could push for a deal up to six years, with teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks willing to bid aggressively.

Still, the Cubs appear well-positioned to compete financially. Not only have they saved money by passing on the Tucker deal, but they also face a pressing need at third base following Matt Shaw’s rookie struggles. Chicago currently has no true third-base prospects in its top 30, and signing Bregman would provide a bridge while allowing the team to develop Shaw at another position (or use him as trade bait).

If the deal comes together, Bregman could immediately become the cornerstone the Cubs have been missing, providing leadership, consistency and star power as Chicago looks to return to postseason contention and reclaim its spot atop the division.