Cubs Interested in Alex Bregman, But Hold Disadvantage in Free Agent Talks

The Chicago Cubs are among the finalists to sign free agent third baseman Alex Bregman, according to a new report, but might not be the favorites.

Matthew Trueblood of NorthSideBaseball.com reported Friday on Twitter/X that the Cubs “remain interested in Alex Bregman, but only on a short-term deal with player-friendly flexibility components (opt-outs, NTC possible). Bregman and [agent] Scott Boras would still prefer longer-term option, and believe they have at least one potential partner there.”

Although it isn’t clear which “potential partner” is open to offering Bregman a longer-term contract, the Astros were reported Thursday to be negotiating with Bregman about a possible return to Houston.

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In nine seasons in Houston (2016-24), Bregman slashed .272/.366/.483 with 191 home runs and 663 RBIs in 1,111 games. He posted a .789 OPS in 99 postseason games while helping the Astros win World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago reported earlier this month that Bregman could fit the Cubs on a short-term deal. What’s changed, according to The Athletic, is the Astros’ willingness to move salary from their 2025 roster in order to accommodate a possible reunion with Bregman.

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Chandler Rome, Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney reported Thursday that the Cubs and Detroit Tigers are involved in discussions with the Astros to acquire pitcher Ryan Pressly, who is entering the final year of a three-year, $42 million contract he signed prior to the 2023 season.

Thursday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported a Pressly trade to the Cubs was “on the verge” of being consummated. But Pressly, 36, has the right to block any trade, and has yet to agree to be moved out of Houston.

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In an extreme case of musical chairs, the Cubs — who already hooked up with the Astros on a blockbuster trade sending Kyle Tucker to Chicago — could end up acquiring Pressly from the Astros while also trying to sign away Bregman.

According to multiple reports, Bregman rejected the Astros’ offer of a $156 million contract in November, while at the time seeking more than $200 million on a long-term deal.

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Although Bregman might ultimately concede that a long-term contract is not in his best interests, he’s apparently not there yet. The Cubs are ready if his mind changes.

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