Jed Hoyer finally did it. After what felt like an eternity of "intelligent spending" talk and near-misses on big-name free agents, the Chicago Cubs front office just dropped a massive statement.
By signing Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, the North Siders have officially exited their era of cautious rebuilding. This isn't just about a gold-glove third baseman joining the lineup; it's a signal to the rest of the NL Central that the Cubs are done waiting for "the window" to open. It’s open now.
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If you’ve been following the latest on the Chicago Cubs, you know the vibes at Wrigley have been... let's call them "cautiously optimistic" for a while. But between the Bregman signing and the blockbuster trade for Edward Cabrera, the temperature just shifted.
The Bregman Effect: More Than Just a Bat
Look, Bregman is a winner. You can’t fake that post-season pedigree he’s bringing over from Houston. His introductory press conference on Thursday was basically a clinic in leadership. He was already talking about scouting reports for his new teammates and the fact that he's been hitting up guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Ian Happ to talk shop.
He’s getting paid $35 million a year, with $70 million of that total contract deferred, which is a clever bit of financial gymnastics by the Cubs. It allows them to stay competitive under the luxury tax while still landing a franchise cornerstone.
Bregman solves the "black hole" at third base that has plagued this team since the Kris Bryant trade. But more importantly, his arrival creates a fascinating logjam. What happens to Matt Shaw? Where does Nico Hoerner fit long-term? Honestly, having "too many" good infielders is a luxury the Cubs haven't had in a decade.
The Pitching Pivot: Trading for Edward Cabrera
While everyone was busy tracking Bregman's plane, Jed Hoyer pulled off a classic "now or never" trade. Sending top prospect Owen Caissie to Miami for Edward Cabrera was painful for some fans who loved Caissie's power ceiling. I get it. Caissie is a beast.
But you have to give to get.
Cabrera brings a high-velocity arm that this rotation desperately needed. With Justin Steele working his way back from left elbow surgery, the rotation of Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and now Cabrera looks formidable.
Cabrera avoided arbitration by signing a $6.775 million deal shortly after the trade. If he can harness his command—which has always been his Achilles' heel—he’s a front-of-the-rotation monster.
The Nico Hoerner Rumor Mill
We need to talk about Nico.
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There is a lot of noise right now regarding a potential trade. Jeff Passan reported that the San Francisco Giants are "aggressively pursuing" him. There's even talk of a deal with the Red Sox for lefty prospect Connelly Early.
It feels weird to think about a Cubs team without Hoerner's defense at second base, but with Bregman at third and Matt Shaw knocking on the door, the math is getting tight. If the Cubs can flip Hoerner for another high-end starter or more bullpen depth, they might just pull the trigger before Spring Training.
Recent Transactions at a Glance
- Alex Bregman: Signed 5-year, $175M deal.
- Edward Cabrera: Acquired via trade from Marlins; signed $6.775M deal to avoid arb.
- Justin Dean: Claimed off waivers from the Giants to add outfield depth.
- Garrett Chiado: Promoted to Assistant General Manager.
- Shota Imanaga: Accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer to stay for 2026.
The Youth Movement: Who’s Actually Ready?
The 2026 season isn't just about the veterans. We’re likely going to see Moisés Ballesteros handle a significant portion of the DH duties. The kid is 22 and has been absolutely raking in the minors.
Then there’s Jaxon Wiggins. He’s the sleeper pick for a mid-season call-up. His fastball is sitting in the upper 90s, and while he’s had some control issues in Triple-A, the upside is legitimate.
The Cubs’ farm system is finally producing the kind of talent that makes trades like the Cabrera deal possible without emptying the cupboard. Kevin Alcántara is also looming as a backup outfielder who could easily take over a starting spot if Seiya Suzuki moves to DH or deals with injuries.
Behind the Scenes: Front Office Shifts
It’s not just the roster that’s changing. The promotion of Garrett Chiado to Assistant General Manager is a big deal for those who follow the "nerd" side of the game. Chiado has been the architect of the Cubs' pro analytics department for years.
His rise suggests the Cubs are doubling down on the data-driven approach that Craig Counsell loves. Speaking of Counsell, he’s going into his third year of a five-year, $40 million deal. The pressure is on. He’s got the talent now; he just has to find the right way to deploy it.
Actionable Insights for Cubs Fans
If you’re planning your 2026 at Wrigley, keep a few things in mind.
- Watch the 2nd Base Battle: Spring Training in Mesa is going to be a war. Whether Hoerner stays or Shaw takes over, that middle infield dynamic will define the defense.
- Bullpen Volatility: Jed Hoyer loves to "find" relievers on minor league deals. Watch names like Corbin Martin and Tyler Beede during the Cactus League—one of them will likely be the 7th-inning guy by May.
- The Steele Return: Don't expect Justin Steele back for Opening Day. The goal is a healthy mid-summer return to bolster the rotation for a playoff push.
- Cubs Convention: If you're attending this weekend, expect the energy to be electric. The Bregman signing has changed the narrative from "Will they spend?" to "How far can they go?"
The latest on the Chicago Cubs tells us one thing: the era of "waiting for next year" is officially over. The 2026 roster is built to win the division, and anything less will be a disappointment. With a payroll hovering around $231 million, the Ricketts family has put their money where their mouth is. Now it’s up to the guys in pinstripes to deliver.