As the buzz of spring training echoes through the MLB, the Chicago Cubs are at the heart of one of the season’s juiciest mysteries. Could Alex Bregman, the two-time World Series champion, be donning Cubbie blue soon? That’s the question lighting up Chicago after Cubs’ All-Star pitcher Justin Steele dropped a cryptic six-word bomb on social media that sent fans into a frenzy: “I smell something in the air.”
I smell something in the air
— Justin Steele (@J_Steele21) February 9, 2025
Simple? Yes. Innocent? Doubtful. Because when you’re in the middle of a heated free agency saga involving one of baseball’s hottest names, everything is a clue.
The Bregman Chase: Will the Cubs Seal the Deal?
The saga surrounding Alex Bregman’s next move has been dragging out for months, with teams like the Astros, Red Sox, and Cubs all vying for his signature. While the Houston Astros seemed like the frontrunners by offering Bregman his familiar third base spot, the Cubs made a late and aggressive push, reportedly offering a four-year, $100 million deal with opt-out clauses—an enticing offer but still far from Bregman’s sky-high expectations of a $200 million, six-year contract.
Bregman, now in his early 30s, turned down a $156 million deal from the Astros, signaling he’s holding out for the big bucks. But are the Cubs willing to up the ante, or will they stick to their current offer? Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer added fuel to the mystery fire, saying, “It’s unclear if we will be doing more right now.” Translation? Either they’re playing their cards close to the chest or they’re out of the race entirely. But Steele’s cryptic post has everyone thinking otherwise.
Fans Go Wild Over Steele’s Cryptic Clue
With nothing else to go on, Cubs fans turned into internet detectives overnight, dissecting Steele’s six words like it was a hidden message from the baseball gods. “It’s the smell of a Gold Glove third baseman,” one fan speculated, clearly pointing to Bregman. Others were even bolder, claiming they could “smell Bregman’s jet fuel as he lands in Chicago.”
The logic makes sense. The Cubs have been starved for postseason success, missing that elusive playoff magic since their 2016 World Series win and only sniffing the postseason in 2020. Adding a seasoned vet like Bregman could be the final piece to a championship puzzle that’s been incomplete for far too long. His leadership, playoff experience, and bat could inject the spark the Cubs need to dominate the NL Central.
Is Bregman the Right Fit… Or a Risk?
While fans are hyped, some are raising eyebrows about whether Bregman is worth the hefty price tag. Wrigley Field, known for its unpredictable winds and challenging dimensions, ranks as one of the toughest ballparks for right-handed hitters—a potential red flag for Bregman. Could chasing the big bucks land him in a stadium that stifles his offensive output? It’s a gamble that could either solidify his legacy or leave his stats in the dust.
Still, the Cubs’ offer, complete with opt-outs, might be the perfect compromise. Bregman could test the waters in Chicago for a couple of seasons and, if things don’t pan out, pivot elsewhere. But if it does work, he could be the cornerstone of a new Cubs dynasty.
Or Is Steele Hinting at Something Else?
Of course, not all fans are convinced the post is about Bregman. Some speculate Steele might be teasing something entirely different—a contract extension for himself or even fellow teammate Kyle Tucker. Both players recently avoided arbitration with one-year deals, but long-term extensions could be on the horizon.
Others are choosing to believe Steele is simply feeling optimistic about the Cubs’ chances this year. “I smell a World Series coming,” one hopeful fan commented. Whether that’s wishful thinking or not, the excitement surrounding Steele’s post proves one thing: Cubs fans are hungry for something big.
The Verdict: Will the Cubs Deliver?
Regardless of Steele’s intent, one thing is clear: Cubs fans are on the edge of their seats. Whether it’s Bregman, a surprise signing, or just good vibes for the season ahead, the anticipation is electric. The Cubs front office would be wise to take note of the frenzy—because the fans have spoken, and they want Breggie.
If the Cubs do manage to land Bregman, it could be the turning point they’ve been waiting for. But if not? Well, let’s hope that “something in the air” isn’t just the smell of another season slipping by without a shot at October glory.
For now, Chicago holds its breath, waiting for the next move on this thrilling chessboard of baseball drama.
