The Chicago Cubs have been linked to Alex Bregman again this winter, but a new CBS Sports prediction delivered a dose of “bad news” for anyone hoping he’d land at Wrigley Field: CBS has Bregman returning to the Boston Red Sox.
With spring training only about seven weeks away, the Cubs’ hot-corner plans could be heading back toward internal options, unless Jed Hoyer decides the prediction is wrong and pushes harder late in the market.
Key details (fast):
- CBS’ landing-spot prediction for Bregman: Red Sox.
- Bregman opted out of the final two years of a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston.
- Cubs have been connected to Bregman in multiple reports, including recent talk involving agent Scott Boras.
CBS Prediction Sends Alex Bregman Back to Boston
CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson wrote that Bregman has been linked to many of the same teams as last winter—Boston, the Cubs and the Detroit Tigers among them—but ultimately projected “inertia” to win out with a Red Sox reunion.
That’s the part that stings from a Cubs perspective: Chicago keeps showing up in the rumor ecosystem, but this particular forecast ends with the same result as last offseason: Bregman staying (or returning) to Boston.
Anderson also noted Bregman “is likely to set off a domino effect” once he lands, which matters for teams—like the Cubs—trying to map out Plan B at third base and beyond.
What It Means for the Cubs if Bregman Isn’t Coming
If Bregman winds up back with the Red Sox, the Cubs’ cleanest path is sticking with Matt Shaw as their primary third-base answer, something Hoyer has publicly supported amid the swirl of rumors.
MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian reported the Cubs were given ownership “green light” to pursue Bregman last offseason—“but up to a certain point”—and that the landscape is now different because the organization has MLB information on Shaw.
There’s also a roster-building reality: Bastian noted Chicago’s “majority” offseason focus has been on pitching, including the pursuit of an impact starter and continued bullpen work.
So if Bregman-to-Chicago doesn’t materialize, it’s easier to see the Cubs redirecting dollars/prospects toward arms rather than forcing a splash at third.
Why the Cubs Keep Showing Up in Bregman Buzz
Bregman opted out after one season in Boston, and MLB.com reported he was expected to hit the market again seeking longer-term security.
The Cubs’ connection hasn’t been subtle. CBS’ rumor roundup said Chicago has had “many conversations” with Boras about Bregman, and MLB.com’s Bregman rumor tracker has also pointed to Cubs interest, including a reported video meeting earlier this offseason.
One more Cubs-friendly wrinkle: MLB.com noted that, unlike a year ago, Bregman’s free agency this time does not come with a qualifying offer attached, removing one common deterrent for teams weighing a big contract.
What Happens Next
Even if CBS has Bregman returning to Boston, the Cubs’ “pressure point” remains the same: either trust Shaw at third and spend elsewhere, or chase a proven bat if they believe the roster is one impact hitter short. And if Bregman signs first, the market could move quickly for the next tier of infield options as teams pivot.
Cubs Get Bad News in Alex Bregman Chase as New Landing Spot Emerges