MLB Execs Can’t Stop Drooling Over the Alex Bregman Signing by Cubs

For all the shit-talking that has been launched in Jed Hoyer’s direction since he took over for Theo Epstein there’s no question that he’s kicked it up a notch during the past few years. Backed by ownership’s checkbook this offseason Hoyer was able to get his hands on star free agent Alex Bregman a year after the Cubs failed to lure him to Chicago. Now, as spring training is about to kick off MLB execs are looking back at the offseason and they’re practically salivating at how perfect of a signing Bregman was for the Cubs.

In Jayson Stark’s latest article in The Athletic that broke down the best and worst offseason moves, Bregman’s name was front and center as the new Cubs’ third baseman received high praise from dozens of baseball insiders. In the, “best free-agent signing,” category Bregman tied for second with 11 votes, coming from current and former execs, managers, coaches and scouts that were surveyed.

BEST FREE-AGENT SIGNINGS ACCORDING TO SURVEY
Pete Alonso (Orioles) — 13
Edwin Díaz (Dodgers) — 13
Kyle Tucker (Dodgers) — 11
Bo Bichette (Mets) — 11
Alex Bregman (Cubs) — 11
Framber Valdez (Tigers) — 7

However, you know what stood out the most, even above Bregman considered one of the best free-agent signings of the season? It’s the fact that out of the 36 people surveyed, no one wrote Bregman’s name down for being one of the worst free-agent signings. That can’t be said for Kyle Tucker, Bo Bichette or Pete Alonso, who all got votes for both best and worst signings of the offseason.

We have already seen Chicago media hype up what Bregman’s presence on the Cubs means and how his leadership expands beyond the playing field. And I guess that’s what really sets Bregman apart from many of his peers. Sure, maybe he’s not the top-10 bat potential that Tucker brought to the table, but Bregman makes up for it with gold glove caliber defense at third base and a hunger to do everything possible to win.

Bregman still has a very capable bat and he’ll also lend his wisdom to the rest of his teammates. That’s why in Part two of Stark’s survey of MLB insiders picked Bregman as the top pick for, “most irreplaceable subtractions of the winter.” On the surface, that’s obviously a direct negative against the Boston Red Sox, who botched their pursuit of Bregman and watched him sign with the Cubs. Yet, it speaks volumes to how important Bregman is viewed inside a clubhouse, which will now be on the North Side of Chicago.

Here’s the highlight from Stark’s piece and why the Bregman signing is turning out to be the envy of MLB.

Bregman, on the other hand, spent one season with the Red Sox. But he still left a footprint as mammoth as Tyrannosaurus rex. He’s more than just a baseball player. He’s the most magnetic personality in every clubhouse he enters.

So you can replace his at-bats. You can stick someone else at third base. You can divvy up his money. But, as our voters clearly conveyed, when it comes to all the other stuff, you can’t replace that.

• “I think losing him hurts the core young guys in Boston,” said one voter.

• “A major impact,” said another voter, “and a perfect fit in Boston.”

• “I have to go with Bregman,” said a third voter, “because of everything he brings, even off the field.”

Bregman was the highlight of the Cubs offseason that saw a lot of action on the pitching side of the roster. A trade for Edward Cabrera to deepen the rotation was also accompanied by a boatload of free agent relievers to help bolster the bullpen.

Despite losing Kyle Tucker to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hoyer deserves credit for putting together a clear contender in 2026. The Cubs received the third most votes for most improved team in the NL after this offseason in Stark’s survey, largely led by those insiders absolutely loving Alex Bregman.