The Chicago Cubs started the season facing a wide-open National League Central division but now sit on the outside of the playoff race looking in.
Despite re-signing Cody Bellinger and trading for Isaac Paredes, their offense has been middling at best this year, with the team batting average, total homers, and slugging percentage all ranking in the bottom half of Major League Baseball.
Bleacher Reporter’s Zachary Rymer predicted that the Cubs will address those offensive struggles over the winter by signing Alex Bregman, a two-time All-Star who is set to become one of the most in-demand free agents in baseball. Though Rymer noted that the roster would need some shuffling to make it work.
“It just feels like the Cubs need another hitter, doesn’t it?” Rymer asked. “Their offense might even be the first thing that pops into one’s head upon thinking the word ‘mediocre,’ ... Yet even if Cody Bellinger opens up a spot by opting out of his deal, the Cubs will still have Isaac Paredes at third base and Michael Busch at first base. One could move to accommodate Bregman, but it’s clearly not the most natural fit.”
Still, there’s reason to believe the Cubs would want to find a spot for Bregman if they can get a deal done. The 30-year-old has a career .272/.366/.482 slash line and has earned MVP votes in four different seasons. His line has regressed to .257/.313/.443 so far this season but his numbers have been picking up since early May.
Noting that third baseman Matt Chapman, who is older and has a worse offensive resume, recently signed a $151 million deal with the San Francisco Giants, Rymer projected that Bregman will earn a deal worth $210 million over seven years. The fact that Chapman has been taken off the market will certainly drive up the price for whatever team ends up singing Bregman next.
“With Chapman no longer an option for clubs seeking third base help, Bregman is easily the most notable player at the position headed for free agency,” Mark Feinsand noted for MLB.com.
More MLB: Dodgers superstar on pace to do something special after elite season
