{"id":136133,"date":"2026-01-07T22:00:33","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T22:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136133"},"modified":"2026-01-07T22:00:33","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T22:00:33","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-alert-chicago-cubs-in-final-talks-with-one-of-mlbs-biggest-free-agent-sluggers-fans-are-holding-their-breath-this-could-be-the-start-of-a-dynasty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136133","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 ALERT: Chicago Cubs in Final Talks with One of MLB’s Biggest Free Agent Sluggers \u2013 Fans Are Holding Their Breath, This Could Be the Start of a Dynasty!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udea8 CHICAGO CUBS’ OFFSEASON PLANS IN FULL SWING: Could Alex Bregman Join the Cubs’ Infield and Set Off a Series of Big Moves?<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

The Chicago Cubs are on the brink of an offseason overhaul, seeking a new-look infield as they prepare for a competitive 2025 season. Fans have grown impatient with the relatively quiet winter thus far, with only a few minor moves made. However, Cubs management is adamant that their careful strategy will pay off in the long run.<\/p>\n

One thing is clear: pitching is still at the forefront of the Cubs’ offseason goals. Back in November, team officials admitted that adding starting pitchers is their top priority. They made it clear that the Cubs were one quality starter short from reaching the 2025 playoffs. However, despite the emphasis on pitching, it\u2019s the infield that\u2019s grabbing the spotlight in the latest round of free-agent negotiations.<\/p>\n

Cubs Eyeing Big Names: Bregman and Bichette in Talks<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to The Athletic<\/strong>, the Cubs are in active talks with two of the most coveted infielders on the market: Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman. Though both players have played different positions throughout their careers, reports suggest that Chicago is interested in bringing one of them to fill their third-base hole.<\/p>\n

Why Alex Bregman Is the Preferred Choice<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to third base, Alex Bregman seems to be the Cubs\u2019 preferred option. Despite being four years older than Bichette, Bregman has spent the majority of his career at third base and is regarded as one of the top defensive players at the position. Not only does Bregman offer stellar defense, but he also brings a wealth of postseason experience, having been a key contributor to the Houston Astros\u2019 success in recent years.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, Bregman is considered a strong clubhouse leader\u2014a quality the Cubs could greatly benefit from. His veteran presence would add stability to the infield, and with a strong postseason pedigree, he could be the kind of player who helps elevate the Cubs in a crucial year.<\/p>\n

Bregman Signing Could Trigger a Major Domino Effect<\/strong><\/p>\n

If the Cubs can land Bregman, it could trigger a series of strategic moves across the roster. One of the most notable consequences would be a potential trade involving star second baseman Nico Hoerner. Hoerner has become a key player for the Cubs in recent seasons and remains one of their brightest young stars. However, with his contract expiring after the 2026 season, the Cubs could look to trade him for a starting pitcher\u2014further strengthening their pitching rotation for the 2025 season.<\/p>\n

If this trade does occur, it\u2019s expected that the Cubs would shift Matt Shaw, their top prospect and 2025\u2019s primary third baseman, to second base. Shaw has shown the ability to play second during his career, having filled in at the position on multiple occasions for the Cubs in 2025. His time at second base stretches back to his days in college and the minor leagues, making him a versatile option.<\/p>\n

An Alternative Plan: Hoerner and Shaw Could Coexist<\/strong><\/p>\n

Of course, the Cubs could opt to keep Hoerner if they sign Bregman. Hoerner, the reigning Gold Glove winner, would remain at second base, where he has thrived for the Cubs in recent seasons. In this scenario, manager Craig Counsell could choose to utilize Shaw as a super-utility player in 2026. With Shaw\u2019s experience at multiple positions, including second, he could serve as a valuable asset in various roles across the infield.<\/p>\n

\"Cubs<\/p>\n

The Cubs are well-positioned financially to make this scenario work, with the potential to add a star infield bat without breaking the bank. This flexibility could make the Cubs a much more dynamic team moving forward.<\/p>\n

Rising Competition for Bregman and Bichette<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cubs face stiff competition to land either Bregman or Bichette. Along with Chicago, The Athletic<\/strong> reports that the Boston Red Sox<\/strong> are also heavily involved in talks with both stars. The Arizona Diamondbacks<\/strong> and Detroit Tigers<\/strong> are also among the teams chasing Bregman, with several other suitors emerging as potential contenders.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, one team that seems to have dropped out of the running for both players is the Toronto Blue Jays<\/strong>. Once considered a top contender for Bregman or Bichette, the Blue Jays have reportedly shifted their focus elsewhere. According to a report from The Athletic<\/strong> on January 6, Toronto is now pursuing outfielder Kyle Tucker, a move that could allow other teams, like the Cubs, to capitalize on their interest in the infield stars.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Next for the Cubs: Offseason Strategy Unfolds<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the Cubs continue to pursue Bregman and Bichette, it\u2019s clear that the franchise is preparing to make a big splash this offseason. Adding either of these stars would not only provide the Cubs with an elite third baseman but could also serve as a catalyst for further moves that would reshape the team\u2019s infield for the better.<\/p>\n

While the Cubs\u2019 offseason plans have been a bit slower to develop compared to other teams, they are laying the groundwork for what could be a very exciting 2025 season. Their primary focus remains on improving their pitching staff, but the addition of a star infielder like Bregman or Bichette could give Chicago the spark they need to make a deep postseason run.<\/p>\n

\"Chicago<\/p>\n

The coming weeks will be critical for the Cubs as they continue to negotiate with top free agents and explore all possible avenues to strengthen their roster. Will they manage to land one of the biggest names on the market? Only time will tell.<\/p>\n

For Cubs fans, the offseason promises to be an intriguing one, full of potential twists and turns. If the Cubs can land a major free agent like Bregman or Bichette, they could be setting themselves up for a season that could change the course of their future.<\/p>\n

Stay tuned as the Cubs’ offseason strategy unfolds\u2014because with every passing day, they inch closer to making a major move that could have a lasting impact on the franchise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\ud83d\udea8 CHICAGO CUBS’ OFFSEASON PLANS IN FULL SWING: Could Alex Bregman Join the Cubs’ Infield and Set Off a Series of Big Moves? The Chicago Cubs are… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":136134,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-136133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\ud83d\udd25 ALERT: Chicago Cubs in Final Talks with One of MLB's Biggest Free Agent Sluggers \u2013 Fans Are Holding Their Breath, This Could Be the Start of a Dynasty! - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=136133\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udd25 ALERT: Chicago Cubs in Final Talks with One of MLB's Biggest Free Agent Sluggers \u2013 Fans Are Holding Their Breath, This Could Be the Start of a Dynasty! - NEWS USA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\ud83d\udea8 CHICAGO CUBS’ OFFSEASON PLANS IN FULL SWING: Could Alex Bregman Join the Cubs’ Infield and Set Off a Series of Big Moves? 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