There are no secrets surrounding the Chicago Cubs this winter. They need offense, and the only question is whether they will spend the money to get it.
Coming off a season where they tied for 20th in home runs as a team and a mediocre 13th in OPS, the Cubs have some decent pieces in their lineup, but no true superstars. Their offense isn't necessarily bad, but it's definitely not playoff-quality.
One of the more ill-fated moves the Cubs made this season was trading for Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes. Paredes was an All-Star this year, but batted .223 with just three home runs in 52 games after the trade to Chicago.
Though it would be embarrassing to admit their mistake, the Cubs could pursue another third baseman in free agency this winter. Especially because one available third baseman has a World Series track record.
Longtime Houston Astros star Alex Bregman is set to hit free agency after spending nine seasons in H-Town. Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report recently mentioned Bregman as one of several free-agent bats who would fit the Cubs' needs.
"The Cubs must rectify this situation during the winter. If not by signing (Juan) Soto, then perhaps by going after Pete Alonso, Alex Bregman or Anthony Santander," Rymer said.
Bregman, 30, has an impressive career resume to this point. He owns two World Series rings, two All-Star selections, a Silver Slugger award, and has received Most Valuable Player votes four times.
Bregman and his agent Scott Boras are expected to pursue a $200 million contract, which could be bolstered by the fact that fellow third baseman Matt Chapman got $151 million in a late-season extension from the San Francisco Giants.
While 2024 wasn't Bregman's best year, he still found a way to get hot down the stretch. He finished the year with a .768 OPS/118 OPS+, which included an .833 OPS and 14 home runs after the All-Star break.
Bregman may be the addition the Cubs need to finally put together a playoff-caliber offense. But the price tag may end up being too daunting for Chicago to pull the trigger.
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