Is it a meeting time between Bregman and Cubs?
Table, Arizona – Alex Bregman, Third base Twice All-Star, it is one of the Few outstanding free agents that are still in the market while the teams begin to prepare for Spring training. On the other side, the Chicago Cubs They still continue with a vacant in the Third base.
That Bregman reaches the team makes a lot of sense, especially for the fervent fans of the Cubs, anxious for the success in the postseason after four consecutive seasons without baseball in October. And although it is not totally safe, it is not impossible either. “I would not rule out anything,” said Jed Hoyer, president of Cubs baseball operations.
The Cubs became the first team of the Major Leagues on Sunday to open spring training, throwing and batting under the sun in a pleasant morning by Arizona.
Chicago made a striking exchange during the low season, adding the gardener All-Star Kyle Tucker, the Houston Astros, but it is still fair to ask if the franchise has done enough to compete for the title of the central division of the National League later of an 83-79 record last year.
Tucker, 28, has been one of the most complete gardeners of major leagues during the last four seasons, helping the stars to win the World Series in 2022, reaching an alignment that includes talents such as Ian HaPP, Dansby Swanson and Seiya Suzuki.
Chicago also recently reinforced the end of his bullpen, adding to veterans Ryan Pressly and Ryan Brasier. “I think we have improved, but you have to play the games,” said Craig Counsell, a second year manager. “We have to compete and travel together. Do our best to develop players, minimize injuries, continue building the team, all those things. ”
The Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers are taking the lead to most teams this spring in pre -preparation of the two games of the regular season in the Tokyo series on March 18 and 19, more than a week before other teams MLB have their first game.
The imminent confrontation puts in the reflects the two teams of large markets that have addressed the last low seasons differently.
Chicago has been relatively cautious when granting great contracts, building its template methodically, while the Dodgers have spent, spent and spent more.
But with Bregman still in the market, there is still time for Cubs to make another great movement. The 30 -year -old has played his nine seasons in the big leagues with the stars, hitting 191 homers and winning two titles of the World Series. “You always look for opportunities,” said Hoyer. “But now, we are going to have a meeting this afternoon, we are going to focus on the boys who are in the camp and that is the plan.”
Hoyer said he could not specifically argue about Bregman. The Cubs had Christopher Morel and Isaac Paredes last season. None of the players are with the team is spring after Morel was transferred to the Tampa Bay Rays and Paredes was sent to the stars in the agreement he brought to Tucker. One of the main prospects of the team, Matt Shaw, seems to have a good opportunity during spring training, but while Bregman still does not sign, the possibility of ending at Wrigley Field persists.
In what seems to be a very open central division of NL, it could make a big difference. The Cubs finished ten games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the race for the division last year. The pressure is on Hoyer to form a playoff team.
The experienced executive is in the last year of his current contract and has been with the Cubs since 2011. Hoyer recognized some introspection due to uncertainty, but said he feels that 2025 will be a good year.
“Sometimes that is the nature of this business, but it is fun,” said Hoyer about dealing with the rumors of free agency. “The reason we are here, the reason we enter this first, is because baseball is a fantastic sport for fans. People care about Cubs. That’s why I love working here. ”
