Cubs have Alex Bregman backup plan in mind

The Chicago Cubs have been loosely tied to third baseman Alex Bregman during the offseason.

Bruce Levine from 670 The Score had reported earlier in the offseason that the Cubs had "casual discussions" regarding Bregman. However, the Cubs' interest in Bregman would be on a shorter deal, similar to the three-year, opt-out laden deal outfielder Cody Bellinger had signed during the 2023-24 offseason.

Bregman, meanwhile, is reportedly uninterested in a short-term contract. He also reportedly has multiple teams offering contracts of at least four years, although none of those deals meet his asking price. However, those offers likely mean that he will not end up settling for the type of contract the Cubs would be comfortable with.

As such, the Cubs have a backup plan in mind. According to Ken Rosenthal and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic, the Cubs are looking at infielder Justin Turner as a fallback option should Bregman sign elsewhere.

The 40-year-old Turner remained a productive hitter in 2024. He produced a .259/.354/.383 batting line in his 539 plate appearances between the Mariners and Blue Jays, hitting 11 homers and 24 doubles. 

Turner may also be a better fit for the Cubs' future. Chances are, he would only receive a one-year deal due to his age. That contract would not block top prospect Matt Shaw from establishing himself as the Cubs' third baseman of the future. Shaw will head to the major league portion of spring training and could take over at third if the Cubs do not make any further moves at the position. However, Shaw has just 67 appearances at third in his professional career; bringing a veteran such as Turner would allow the Cubs to give him more reps at the hot corner in a pressure-free environment.