The Chicago Cubs are heading into 2026 with a tall order: replace the production and star power of Kyle Tucker – and do it in a way that keeps the team competitive in a tough National League landscape.

Tucker, who spent just one season in Chicago, is on his way out, and while the Cubs may have seen this coming – they reportedly weren’t willing to meet his contract demands – it still leaves a major hole in the lineup. The front office now finds itself in a tricky spot: trying to turn a potentially deflating offseason into something that feels like progress.

So far, they’ve been active in conversations, but tangible results have been elusive. One name that keeps surfacing is Alex Bregman.

The veteran third baseman would bring a strong bat and postseason pedigree to the North Side, and he represents the kind of impact addition that could shift the narrative. But the Cubs aren’t alone in that pursuit – the Red Sox and Tigers are also in the mix, and competition for Bregman’s services will be fierce.

That’s not the only area of need, either. Chicago’s rotation could use a frontline starter, and they’ve reportedly been in the mix for Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai.

With Imai’s posting window closing soon, the clock is ticking if the Cubs want to make a move there. He’s not a surefire ace, but he’s got the kind of upside that makes scouts and execs pay attention – and he’d add much-needed depth to a rotation that could use another reliable arm.

The Cubs’ offseason strategy seems to be less about swinging for the fences with one blockbuster and more about finding the right pieces – a calculated approach, sure, but one that comes with risk. As Jared Greenspan and Theo DeRosa noted, there’s no guarantee Chicago lands a top-tier starter or a big bat like Bregman. But they need at least one of those moves to land if they want to stay relevant in the playoff picture.

Letting Tucker walk without bringing in a comparable name would be a tough sell to fans and a tougher challenge on the field. That’s the reality facing the Cubs now.

The offseason is far from over, but the pressure is on. Whether it’s Bregman, Imai, or another surprise addition, Chicago needs to make a statement – and soon.