With the Winter Meetings now in the rearview mirror, the Chicago Cubs find themselves at a bit of a crossroads. No major moves came out of Nashville this week, but that doesn’t mean the front office is standing still. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer made it clear that he expects the market to heat up again soon – and based on the names floating around, the Cubs could be right in the middle of it.

Cubs fans have every reason to be eager – and maybe a little anxious – as the team looks to take the next step heading into 2026. There’s a solid foundation in place, but it’s clear they’ll need reinforcements if they want to make a serious push. Here are three names who could help turn that potential into production.

Alex Bregman: A Proven Bat with Championship Pedigree

With Pete Alonso off the board and heading to Baltimore, Alex Bregman becomes one of the most intriguing bats still available – especially for a team like the Cubs, who are still looking to add some thunder to the lineup. He’s a two-time World Series champion, a right-handed hitter with a history of delivering in big moments, and someone who’s no stranger to the Cubs’ radar.

In fact, Bregman and the Cubs nearly linked up last offseason. That mutual interest hasn’t gone away. And with the team reportedly willing to go big – as evidenced by their behind-the-scenes meeting with Alonso – it’s not out of the question that Bregman becomes the centerpiece of their winter.

Bregman would bring more than just power. He’s a high-IQ player who knows how to grind out at-bats, control the strike zone, and elevate an offense with both consistency and pop. His presence in the lineup could offer protection for guys like Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, while adding a veteran presence to a clubhouse that’s still on the younger side.

If the Cubs are serious about contending in 2026, this is the kind of move that signals it.

Tatsuya Imai: A Rising Star from Japan Who Fits the Mold

The Cubs have had success tapping into the Japanese market before – and they may be ready to do it again. Tatsuya Imai, one of the top arms coming over from Nippon Professional Baseball, has emerged as a name to watch. And for good reason.

Imai put together a dominant 2025 season with the Seibu Lions, racking up 178 strikeouts and posting a 1.92 ERA over 163 2/3 innings. He’s got the kind of stuff that plays anywhere – a fastball that can flirt with triple digits, and a mix of secondary pitches that keep hitters guessing.

For a Cubs rotation that dealt with injuries and inconsistencies last season, Imai would be a huge boost. Yes, Shota Imanaga is returning on a qualifying offer, and Justin Steele is expected back early in the year. But beyond that, the Cubs need more stability – and more upside – in the starting five.

Imai offers both. He’s not just a depth piece; he’s a potential front-line starter. And with the Cubs’ recent track record with Japanese talent, there’s a level of comfort and credibility that could help them stand out in what’s expected to be a competitive bidding process.

Edward Cabrera: A High-Upside Arm on the Trade Market

If the Cubs can’t land their targets in free agency, the trade market offers another path – and one name that continues to surface is Edward Cabrera of the Miami Marlins.

The Cubs were in on Cabrera at last season’s trade deadline, but balked at the Marlins’ asking price, which reportedly included top prospects Cade Horton, Owen Caissie, and Matt Shaw. That package was too steep at the time, but the landscape has shifted. Miami appears more willing to deal Cabrera now, especially with Sandy Alcantara expected to stay put.

Cabrera brings electric stuff – a fastball that explodes out of his hand, paired with a wicked changeup and solid breaking pitches. Injuries have slowed him at times, but when healthy, he’s shown flashes of being a legitimate top-of-the-rotation arm.

He’s also under team control through 2028, which adds significant long-term value. That kind of controllability doesn’t come cheap, and the Cubs would likely need to part with some prized prospects. But if they believe Cabrera can stay healthy and reach his ceiling, this is the kind of swing that could pay off in a big way.

What’s Next?

Jed Hoyer has made it clear: the Cubs are in the market, and they’re ready to make moves – if the right opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s adding a proven bat like Bregman, taking a big swing on Imai, or revisiting trade talks for Cabrera, the front office has options.

And while they may have left the Winter Meetings without a headline-grabbing deal, don’t mistake that for inactivity. The Cubs are very much in the hunt – and the next few weeks could go a long way in shaping what this team looks like come Opening Day.