Cubs ‘Pushed’ Their Budget to Pursue Alex Bregman – But Not Nearly Enough
Cubs Miss Out on Bregman, Set to Move Forward with In-House Options
Mesa, Ariz. — If the Cubs bring in a veteran third baseman this spring, it won’t be Alex Bregman.
Bregman agreed to a three-year deal with the Red Sox for $120 million, according to multiple reports Wednesday night. The deal reportedly includes two opt-outs and deferrals.
Cubs’ Regret
"Cubbies, great player, great fit. We definitely recognize the opportunity," said Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer. "I was really thankful to Tom and Todd and Laura [Ricketts]. I spent a lot of time talking about the pursuit of him, and they were willing to sort of green-light us pushing our budget."
Cubs’ Offer Not Competitive
Even with Cubs ownership loosening the purse strings a bit, the Cubs’ offer wasn’t competitive. They offered Bregman a four-year deal worth $115 million, with opt-outs after the second and third years, sources confirmed. It included some deferred money, sources said, but not nearly at the same level as Bregman’s contract with the Red Sox.
Cubs’ Budget Limitations
"Ultimately, they got a deal in structure and amount that we couldn’t match," Hoyer said. "But that’s just the nature of it. But I was thankful that I was able to pursue it. It was a really good opportunity, and now we move forward."
Cubs’ In-House Options
Without Bregman, Cubs top prospect Matt Shaw is the favorite to win the position battle at third base this spring. The Cubs have stressed that it will be a competition.
Lessons Learned
"It’s important to be opportunistic," Hoyer said. "And that was the case I was making, that I realize this is a financial stretch above our budget, but it’s the moment to do it. And I was thankful they allowed me to do that."
Conclusion
The Cubs’ pursuit of Bregman was a missed opportunity, but it also highlighted the team’s budget limitations. The organization’s aversion to deferrals, in particular, limited their creative options in contract structuring. As a large-market team, the Cubs have the resources to compete, but their budget constraints will likely lead to smaller, more incremental moves in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the Cubs pursue Alex Bregman?
A: The Cubs recognized Bregman as a great fit for the team and were willing to stretch their budget to pursue him.
Q: What was the Cubs’ offer to Bregman?
A: The Cubs offered Bregman a four-year deal worth $115 million, with opt-outs after the second and third years, but with limited deferred money.
Q: Why did the Cubs miss out on Bregman?
A: The Cubs’ offer was not competitive, as it lacked the level of deferrals and structure that Bregman ultimately received from the Red Sox.
