The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the buzz of spring training are just around the corner. For most MLB players, it’s a time of fresh starts and renewed ambitions. But for Alex Bregman, the two-time All-Star third baseman and longtime heart of the Houston Astros, the future remains a giant question mark. While his peers lace up their cleats and prepare to hit the diamond, Bregman is still stuck in contractual limbo, waiting for the right deal to come his way.
Despite the Chicago Cubs stepping up with a tempting offer—$120 million over four years, with opt-outs giving Bregman flexibility—he’s holding firm on his expectations. Word around the league is that Bregman’s eyes are set on a hefty $180 million deal, ideally stretching over six years. But in today’s MLB climate, where teams are tightening their wallets and emphasizing shorter contracts, that might be a big ask.
Cubs Lay Their Cards on the Table, But Bregman Isn’t Biting (Yet)
The Cubs’ aggressive push to land Bregman shows they’re serious about beefing up their roster. Their four-year, $30 million-per-year offer isn’t chump change, and the opt-outs sweeten the deal, giving Bregman a shot at free agency if he thinks his market value will rise. But Bregman’s playing hardball—he wants long-term security, and who can blame him? He’s watched fellow stars ink mega-deals and is determined to secure his own future.
While the Cubs are showing their cards, they’re not the only team in the hunt. The Astros, his longtime home, reportedly dangled a $156 million offer, which Bregman swiftly rejected. And rumors swirl that teams like the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers might sneak into the race. But the Cubs remain front and center, creating a whirlwind of excitement—and division—among their fanbase.
Bruce Levine on Alex Bregman via @670TheScore this morning:
"The Cubs are as serious as any team about this, but the creativity of the contract and the length of the contract continues to be the problem. He really hasn’t gotten a 6-year deal for $180 million.” pic.twitter.com/naX5mYXCMI
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) February 8, 2025
A Fanbase Divided: Is Bregman Worth the Big Bucks?
As news of Bregman’s lofty $180 million price tag hits the airwaves, Cubs fans are split right down the middle. On one side, you have the die-hards who see Bregman as the missing puzzle piece. They argue that with the NL Central wide open, Bregman’s championship pedigree and clutch hitting could be the key to turning the Cubs into serious postseason contenders. After all, he’s not just any player—he’s a two-time World Series champion who’s proven his worth on baseball’s biggest stage.
“He’s the guy we need,” one enthusiastic fan tweeted. “Give him the deal, bring the title back to Wrigley!”
But not everyone is buying into the Bregman hype. Skeptics are raising eyebrows at the idea of locking into a long-term deal for a player who’s already 30. In baseball years, that’s the start of the twilight zone for many players. While Bregman’s still performing at a high level, there’s no guarantee he’ll maintain that pace over the next six years.
“He’s too old for a six-year deal,” another fan posted on Reddit. “We’ll be stuck paying big money for declining stats by year four.”
Then there’s the financial angle. With younger, cheaper talent like Matt Shaw waiting in the wings—boasting an impressive .284/.379/.488 line, 21 homers, and 31 steals—some fans think the Cubs might be better off investing in homegrown potential rather than splurging on a pricey veteran. Shaw’s upside and cost-effectiveness make him an attractive alternative, and many wonder if the Cubs should bet on their future rather than Bregman’s present.
A Middle Ground? Could a Five-Year Deal Seal the Deal?
With opinions flying from every direction, some fans are proposing a compromise—a five-year contract that offers Bregman the stability he craves while giving the Cubs a bit of wiggle room. It’s long enough to secure his talent but short enough to avoid a financial albatross if his performance dips in the later years.
And let’s not forget, the MLB landscape is shifting. Big-name players like Pete Alonso have had to adjust their expectations, settling for shorter deals with hopes of cashing in later. Could Bregman follow a similar path? A shorter, high-paying contract might give him the best of both worlds—security now, and the chance to renegotiate if he continues to shine.
What’s Next for Bregman and the Cubs?
As spring training looms and the clock ticks down, all eyes are on Bregman and the Cubs. Will he lower his expectations and accept a shorter deal? Or will the Cubs up the ante to meet his $180 million demands? One thing’s for sure: this saga has fans on the edge of their seats.
Whether Bregman lands in Chicago, returns to Houston, or takes his talents elsewhere, the outcome of this contract standoff could reshape the Cubs’ season—and his legacy. Will he be the game-changing star the Cubs need to reclaim postseason glory, or will his high-stakes gamble leave him out in the cold?
The countdown continues, and the baseball world is watching.
