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The Chicago Cubs are looking to make a major splash this offseason to revamp their infield. The North Siders have been extremely quiet so far this winter, with only minor moves completed so far. While the lack of movement is frustrating for fans, Cubs management is hoping that their patience soon pays off.
Much of the talk surrounding Chicago’s need in free agency involves starting pitchers. After all, team officials made it clear in November that pitching was their offseason priority. Cubs management even admitted at the time that they were one quality starter short in the 2025 playoffs.
Despite this, Chicago remains locked in negotiations with two marquee free-agent infielders. According to The Athletic, the Cubs are among the teams talking to both Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman. While the two stars have played different positions throughout their career, the outlet claims that Chicago wants one of them to fill in at third base.
Of the two, Bregman would seemingly be the best option for the Cubs at the position. Despite being four years older than Bichette, the former Astro has played the majority of his career at third. Bregman is also viewed as a true veteran leader in the clubhouse by clubs pursuing him.
Acquiring Alex Bregman Could Start Domino Effect for the Chicago Cubs
GettyAlex Bregman is regarded as the top third baseman in free agency.
Assuming the Cubs can land Bregman, team execs Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins would then have options to make other moves. One domino effect of the massive signing would be a potential trade involving Nico Hoerner. The star second baseman has become a key player in Chicago in recent years. Nevertheless, his contract is set to end after the 2026 season. If negotiations do not go well, the Cubs could swap Hoerner for a starting pitcher.
If this occurs, the team would likely slide Matt Shaw over to second base. The former top prospect was Chicago’s main third baseman in 2025. However, the rookie does have experience at second. Along with featuring at the position four times for the Cubs, he also played the position at times throughout his college and minor league career.
The North Siders could even hold on to Hoerner if they sign Bregman, though. The reigning Gold Glove winner may remain at second base, and manager Craig Counsell could ultimately use Shaw as a super utility player in 2026. The Cubs seemingly have the money to make this scenario work.
Cubs Have Intense Competition to Sign Star Infielders
The Cubs, however, are not the only team to be talking to Bregman (or Bichette) about a deal. As The Athletic points out, the Boston Red Sox are involved in the negotiations as well. On top of these two teams, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers have also been heavily linked with Bregman as of late.
One specific team may be out of the Bregman/Bichette sweepstakes, though. The Toronto Blue Jays, once seen as a top potential landing spot for either star, have seemingly moved on. The aforementioned news outlet reported on January 6 that Toronto has shifted its focus to outfielder Kyle Tucker.
Christopher Moore Christopher Moore has been a Heavy.com contributor since 2025. With over a decade of experience in the industry, he has published thousands of articles reporting on multiple professional sports. He was previously a sports writer for World Soccer Talk, the Yahoo! Contributor Network, and the Maryland Sports Blog. More about Christopher Moore
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