The Chicago Cubs have had a very active offseason as they look to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In December, the Cubs pulled off a blockbuster trade, acquiring three-time All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros in exchange for All-Star infielder Isaac Paredes and two top prospects: 2024 first-round pick Cam Smith and pitcher Hayden Wesneski.
That wasn’t their only deal with the Astros. Last week, Chicago acquired two-time All-Star reliever Ryan Pressly for minor-league pitcher Juan Bello.
The Cubs also strengthened their rotation earlier in the offseason by signing left-hander Matthew Boyd to a two-year, $29 million contract.
Additionally, they swapped prospects with the Tampa Bay Rays, trading Matt Mervis for Vidal Brujan. They also dealt former National League MVP Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees to shed the remaining two years and $47.5 million on his contract.
Despite the busy offseason, the Cubs are still looking to add talent.
Related: Chicago Cubs trade for 2x All-Star, World Series winner
Chicago Cubs favorite to sign multi-time All-Star
According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Cubs are now favorites to sign two-time All-Star Alex Bregman, as the Astros have seemingly closed the door on bringing back their homegrown talent.
“They put themselves in a great spot. They’ve gotten Tucker, they’ve gotten Pressly, two guys who were teammates of Bregman. I’m sure they’re in the ear of Jed Hoyer, all the Cubs people right now, talking him up,” Heyman said. “Not that you have to because he’s an outstanding all-around player, but at this moment whether it be on a six-year deal, or a four-year deal with opt-outs… I feel like the Cubs have a decent shot at getting Bregman.”
Bregman reportedly turned down a six-year, $156 million offer to return to the Astros. It’s uncertain whether the Cubs are willing to exceed that price or if Bregman would consider a lower offer.
During his nine seasons in Houston, Bregman posted impressive numbers: an .848 OPS, 132 OPS+, 191 home runs, 265 doubles, 694 runs scored, and a 39.6 bWAR. He was also instrumental in two World Series championships.
