Cubs’ Alex Bregman chances land distressing update thanks to failed trade attempt

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matthew Schmidt | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 5:32 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs have been tabbed as one of the top potential destinations for third baseman Alex Bregman, but it’s now looking more and more like Bregman will ultimately sign elsewhere.

Why? Because much of the Cubs’ pursuit of Bregman hinged on the Boston Red Sox passing on the opportunity to re-sign the All-Star slugger, and with the Red Sox having been smack dab in the middle of trade discussions for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, there was hope that Bregman could head to Chicago.

But this week, Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen revealed that his team will be wrapping up Marte trade talks in the very near future and that no team has come close to offering Arizona an acceptable trade package, via Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.

That indicates Marte is staying put, which likely means that Boston will simply re-sign Bregman.

Are the Chicago Cubs entirely out of the running for Alex Bregman?

May 9, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) throws to second base against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

While we can never rule anything out entirely, the chances of the Cubs actually being able to outcompete the Red Sox for Bregman seem relatively slim.

Bregman signed with Boston in 2025 and enjoyed a strong season in Beantown, slashing .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI over 495 plate appearances (he missed time due to injury) while also playing great defense at the hot corner.

The three-time All-Star’s deal included an opt out after the first year, so Bregman decided to test the market. The general consensus all along, however, has been that the Red Sox are the favorites to land him.

We know Chicago’s M.O. by now: it doesn’t spend big money. At least not in recent offseasons.

Would the Cubs really be willing to outbid the Red Sox for Bregman? It just doesn’t seem all that likely.

Stranger things have happened, of course, but you kind of get the feeling that Bregman will re-up with Boston now that Marte appears to be off the table.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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