Alex Bregman On the Move? Would Cubs Play Ball With Houston?

[Brandon Glick]

A cloud of uncertainty hangs above the Houston Astros’ heads. The team is off to a wildly disappointing start this season, as they currently sit in third place in the AL West behind the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Many pundits are predicting a firesale for the team if they don’t right the ship soon, and we discussed Jon Heyman connecting the Cubs to Justin Verlander yesterday.

Now, speculation has arisen surrounding star third baseman Alex Bregman. Bregman, 30, is in the midst of the final year of his contract ($28.5 million salary, $16.6 million AAV against the luxury tax) and having one of the worst years of his pro career. He’s slashing just .223/.284/.349 through 183 plate appearances, which is good for a disappointing 84 OPS+. However, he was far better in 2022 and 2023 (OPS above .800 in both seasons), and he isn’t too far removed from two consecutive top-five finishes in AL MVP voting in 2018 and 2019 (when he had an OPS+ above 155).

It is worth noting that Bregman has a history of starting slow, though, and has done by far his best work in August (.996 OPS) throughout his career.

Christopher Morel has done a nice job at the hot corner since starting slow defensively, which could make the Cubs hesitant to pay the asking price on Bregman, who hasn’t played a position other than third base since 2019 (65 games at shortstop). Like Verlander, his rental status would drive down the prospect cost to acquire Bregman, though his large salary could make the Cubs’ front office hesitant to pull the trigger.

What do you think? Should the Cubs reinforce a lineup that can’t seem to stay healthy in 2024? Should they make that bet on a hitter that’s been ice cold to start the season?

 

View full rumor

[Rex Buckingham]

I dont think he's worth pursuing. Just not producing and we've got too many of those bats in the lineup as is to spend real prospect capital hoping to have him recapture his power stroke

[Cuzi]

Bregman's name alone is going to cost more than a rental is worth.

The team to look at for 3B is the Rays. They are 8 games back  in their division. Isaac Paredes is reaching the moment in service time where the Rays trade players and for whatever reason he continues to defy batted ball logic. They have Caminero in AAA. They also have Mead as a potential target.

[NorthsideAvenger]

It'll depend on the cost. 

[chibears55]

As much as I'd like to see Hoyer get aggressive early and add a bat to help the offense out, I don't think that'll happen anytime soon.

They're about 5 mil under the first Threshold,  so if they do add any salary it would likely wait til July or the deadline when the cost will be reduced by at least half or more.

I also think they're hoping with the return of Swanson and Hoerner giving them a full healthy lineup, they will hope that gives them a spark.

And

I think they also are hoping that guys that have been cold and not even close to hitting their average will get it going soon and the offense will start to click.

 

So, yeah I think Hoyer will wait til July before looking to add a significant bat to the starting lineup if needed, if anything he may look to add one to DH in June if the lineup is still in need of help.