Cubs want to use Cody Bellinger’s contract to lure Alex Bregman to Chicago

Two-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman remains without a contract in mid-January as he seeks what is likely the last big payday of his career with a long-term deal.

Bregman, 30, hit .260 with 26 home runs and 75 RBI last season and spent his entire nine-year career with the Houston Astros, where he was one of the franchise’s cornerstones to two World Series titles.

However, it now seems likely that Bregman will depart as it is unclear whether or not the Astros want to meet his free agency price tag. Bregman is reportedly seeking between $25 million and $30 million on his next contract and previously turned down a six-year, $156 million offer from the Astros.

The Red Sox have been frequently linked to Bregman, but no deal has yet been made. However, according to a report from Bruce Levine, the Chicago Cubs could enter the mix if Bregman is open to a shorter deal 670 The score in Chicago. The rumored framework for a deal the Cubs would be interested in would be a three-year deal with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons. This contract framework is similar to that of former Cub Cody Bellinger, who has since been traded to the New York Yankees.

Bregman is a solid player, but he will be 31 before Opening Day. If teams don’t want to spend a lot of money on Bregman long-term, perhaps a shorter contract would open up more opportunities for him in the 2025 season and beyond.