MESA, Ariz. (670 The Score) – The Cubs continue to play the waiting game in their pursuit of third baseman Alex Bregman in free agency.
The Cubs remain involved in discussions with agent Scott Boras, according to sources. The Red Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers and Astros have also been involved in the Bregman sweepstakes. Bregman has been seeking a six-year or seven-year deal, but the average annual value of the deal is just as important to him as the total value and length of it, sources said, so it remains to be seen how his free agency plays out.
As the Cubs reported for spring training Sunday, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer didn’t reveal much on the Bregman front.
“It's unclear if we will be doing more right now,” Hoyer said. "Offseason trends are later right now, so movement can be unpredictable. Being it’s February 9, we are focusing on the people who are here (in big league camp).”
Bregman, 30, is a two-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion. He hit .260 with 26 homers, 75 RBIs and a .768 OPS in 145 games for Houston last season. Bregman has a career .858 OPS and 132 OPS+.
Bregman has indicated to close friends that he’d like to join the Cubs if the contract numbers add up, sources said, but he would also be willing to take the right deal from the other teams that have shown interest.
The Cubs are coming off back-to-back 83-win seasons and made a splash earlier in the offseason by trading for star right fielder Kyle Tucker, Bregman’s former teammate in Houston.
“We certainly have not ruled out adding anyone,” Hoyer said, speaking generally. “You people probably get bored talking about team depth, and starting today it's about shoring up depth and weaknesses. We try to be redundant in all areas as possible. So I wouldn't rule out anything. The attitude we have taken this offseason is the National League is a really good league right now, but for us, this is a really good moment.”
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.