As a result, the Cubs are going to need to pivot to a huge backup plan in the same way the New York Yankees did last offseason when they lost Juan Soto.

Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic recently reported that the Cubs were showing renewed interest in infielder Alex Bregman of the Boston Red Sox in free agency. Bregman is projected to sign a massive $182 million deal, per Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

“After a failed bid to sign Bregman during spring training, the Cubs have shown renewed interest in the All-Star third baseman, according to sources briefed on the club’s offseason planning,” Mooney and Sharma wrote. “While certain elements of the roster have changed — and the organization has different momentum from its first playoff appearance since 2020 — the logic that drove the Cubs to pursue Bregman then still applies now.”

The Cubs would be one of the top landing spots for Bregman for a few reasons.

First of all, they clearly have a need for a third baseman, while top prospect Matt Shaw could slide to second base if Bregman is acquired. They also have the money to make a deal happen, especially considering the fact that they’re likely losing Tucker.

But it’s the Cubs’ desperation from potentially losing Tucker that makes this idea make the most sense. Bregman would fit the team perfectly, and they’re desperate enough that the idea makes perfect sense.

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