As you know, the Cubs did try to sign Alex Bregman last offseason. They made him a four-year, $130 million offer.
That’s an AAV of $35 million, which would have been the highest AAV for any contract in
Cubs history.
Bregman turned that deal down and instead signed a three-year, $120 million ($40 million AAV) contract with the Red Sox that included an opt-out after 2025. Bregman missed some time in 2025 with injuries, but overall batted .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs in 114 games, good for 3.5 fWAR (also 3.5 bWAR).
That was good enough for Bregman to exercise his opt-out. In addition to turning down the Cubs offer last winter, Bregman also turned down a six-year, $171.5 million deal from the Tigers.
MLB Trade Rumors projects Bregman for a six-year, $160 million deal, an AAV of $26.67 million, which actually sounds about right for a player of his abilities and age.
Bregman will turn 32 just after Opening Day 2025. His fielding has always been above average, and he did win a Gold Glove in 2024. But at that age, he might start declining before a six-year deal is over.
I would assume the Cubs are still interested in Bregman, even though Matt Shaw played a decent third base in 2025. Shaw could either become a super-sub type of player, or perhaps be traded, if the Cubs were to sign Bregman.
Instead of six years and $160 million, I think I’d be willing to offer him five years and $150 million — a bit less money in total, but a higher AAV.
What say you?
