The Chicago Cubs whiffed on free agent third baseman Alex Bregman during the offseason, ultimately watching the veteran sign a $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.
But with the Red Sox struggling to stay above .500 and recently trading superstar Rafael Devers, could more selling moves be on the way?
Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN recently suggested the Cubs could be a fit for Bregman in a trade after whiffing on him in free agency. Passan and McDaniel noted that a Bregman trade was rather unlikely, though.
“Bregman has been an elite big league hitter since he entered the league in 2016, but has leaned more into power this year, with his highest isolated power since 2019,” They wrote. “Most of his underlying power indicators (barrel rate, maximum exit velo, average launch angle, and hard hit rate) are at career highs. His $40 million salary — and the chance to opt into two more years at $40 million annually — significantly shortens the list of teams that would take on his deal.”
Personally, I don’t foresee Bregman being traded this season. The Red Sox brought him in to win, and he ultimately (albeit secondhand) cost the team their relationship with Devers.
At this point, the Red Sox are committed to Bregman, and rightfully so.
But, if they did opt to trade him, the Cubs make a lot of sense. Chicago has a lot of prospect capital to trade from, and it’s seemingly in a “win-or-bust” season. Acquiring a star like Bregman would fill a hole at third base in a huge way for Craig Counsell’s club.
It’s unlikely, but it’s still something to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.
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