The Chicago Cubs may have made one of the most interesting bets of the 2026 season, not just on skill but also on obsession. Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune says that Alex Bregman‘s relentless, almost obsessive approach to hitting is already making a big impression in camp. It could be the reason for a big offensive season.
Bregman’s routine was different from everyone else’s as soon as he got to Mesa. He doesn’t just do his work in the cage; he does it on purpose, quickly, and with a lot of thought. Jed Hoyer, the president of the Cubs, called it a “wonderfully obsessive approach” that is both contagious and helpful for a team that wants to move up a level. That detail is important because the Cubs didn’t just sign Bregman to make him play well; they signed him to change the culture.
And that effect is already clear.
Process Over Results Is Fueling Bregman’s Approach
Bregman isn’t better than most hitters because of his raw talent; it’s how he defines success that sets him apart. Montemurro said that Bregman isn’t going after traditional stats like home runs or batting average. Instead, he focuses on swing decisions and pitch selection, targeting pitches he can drive rather than simply making contact.
That difference is very important.
Bregman is honest about how his ability to make contact can sometimes work against him. He’ll still hit the ball if he swings at bad pitches, but not with authority. When he swings less, not more, he has had his best seasons. This shows that discipline is more important than aggression. This way of thinking is in line with modern hitting development, but it’s not often done with this level of accuracy.
There is also a mechanical part. Bregman knows that his swing works best when he hits the ball in front of him and controls his forward movement. When he has trouble, it’s usually because he moves too quickly toward the pitcher, making too many pitches look like they can be hit early on. The ability to know not only what went wrong but also why is what makes good hitters great.
Bregman has learned not to let outcomes affect him, which is even more important. He said that trying to get hits can put hitters on a “slippery slope” where they stop following the process and just go for hits. Instead, he checks whether his approach and execution are right, trusting that the results will come.
Why This Could Lead to a Bigger Year in Chicago
The Cubs are betting that this way of thinking will lead to results, and there is reason to think it will.
Bregman’s track record supports the idea. His near-MVP 2019 season came when his approach was at its most disciplined, and his struggles in subsequent years were tied directly to deviations in mechanics and decision-making. By returning to a process-first philosophy, he’s essentially resetting to the version of himself that once dominated the American League.
But the bigger story is how this affects the Cubs as a team.
The Chicago Cubs are on the verge of making the playoffs after winning 92 games last season. Bringing in Bregman isn’t just about filling a hole at third base; it’s also about improving the whole lineup’s approach. Younger hitters can learn a lot from watching Bregman get ready, study pitchers, and carry out a plan.
His influence could be just as important as his numbers.
This move is also backed by a commitment to the organization. The Cubs gave Bregman a five-year, $175 million deal with a lot of deferred money, which showed both faith and urgency. This team is trying to take advantage of a chance to compete, and Bregman is a big part of that.
If his obsession with hitting works out the way Chicago hopes, the Cubs might not only be getting a steady veteran; they might also be getting another great season at just the right time.
And if that happens, Chicago won’t just be aiming for October. People will expect it.
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