Bregman won the gold glove in 2024. His defense can't be that bad bruh. Last year he was 800+ OPS, 128 OPS+, and (not sure anyone cares anymore) an all star. His numbers are improvements over 2023 and 2024. So there's no indication he's falling off a cliff due to age.
Look, nobody can predict this year. I was incredibly disappointed with Tucker's 2nd half last year. I didn't see that coming. Admittedly we had him as a rental but also that meant we had to replace him immediately. I just don't think the argument that Bregman's somehow a product of cheating is particularly compelling. Nor is the argument that his defense is bad, or that we are now choosing between him and Shaw since Shaw is still on the team (as of right now). Counsell creates opportunities for his bench to get play time as well. A utility guy with exceptional defense that can be plugged in strategically? Yes please.
Bregman's expensive. Cubs are a huge market team and it was about damn time they spent a little money. Don't worry about the Ricketts, dude. They're fine.