The pursuit of star free agent third baseman Alex Bregman by the Chicago Cubs has encountered significant challenges. Despite their interest, Bregman’s potential fit on the Cubs’ roster is unclear, particularly because of the presence of Matt Shaw at third base. Shaw, who was the Cubs’ first-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, struggled in the 2025 season with a .689 OPS. However, he showed considerable improvement towards the end of the season, both offensively and defensively.
At just 24 years old, Shaw has been recognized as a former top prospect, suggesting that the Cubs may prefer to give him another chance to establish himself in the 2026 season. A possible solution could involve shifting Shaw to second base, which would open the door for the Cubs to acquire Bregman. This would likely require trading current second baseman Nico Hoerner, who is drawing interest from other teams and is set to become a free agent after the next season.
Despite the potential benefits of such a trade, the Cubs may be hesitant to part with Hoerner, who is considered a leader in the clubhouse and appears to be in his prime. Sports insider Jon Heyman discussed the situation during a recent live stream, noting, “Bregman, it’s the same teams: Boston, Cubs, Arizona, and Toronto.” Heyman acknowledged that the Cubs may need to make a trade to facilitate acquiring Bregman, making the scenario less likely.
Heyman also pointed out that the Arizona Diamondbacks might have to trade star infielder Ketel Marte to create cap space for Bregman, highlighting the competitive nature of the free agent market. He added, “I could see them moving Marte more than I can see the Cubs moving [Nico] Hoerner.”
The Cubs’ front office, led by General Manager Jed Hoyer, faces a complex decision-making process as they weigh the potential acquisition of Bregman against the value of keeping Hoerner. Should they pursue the deal, it could significantly impact the team’s roster and future direction.
In summary, while the Cubs are keen on acquiring Bregman, their current roster dynamics present substantial obstacles. The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial as the Cubs assess their options ahead of the 2026 season.
