AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox

The Rundown: Bregman Deal Feels Enticingly Close, Cubs Acquire Brasier, Edmonds Exposes Cardinals Dysfunction

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterFebruary 5, 2025

I try not to get caught up in frenzied speculation, but it feels like Alex Bregman will sign with the Cubs today. There are too many indicators combined with just enough circumstantial evidence to convince me a deal is imminent. In fact, he may already be a Cub by the time today’s Rundown is published.

  1. I have a relative in Arizona who has been retired for several years and she knows some of the Bregman family, who are apparently from her neck of the woods. She has told me for two days that the third baseman has already agreed to sign with the Cubs.
  2. I try not to rely strictly on gossip from her Golden Girls Bingo Night, but it has been reported that Bregman has already received a four-year offer from the Cubs that exceeds $100 million. The offer is potentially unique in structure but will likely carry opt-out risk similar to the contract Cody Bellinger signed last year.
  3. Potential suitors for Bregman’s services are dropping like dead flies.
  4. Astros GM Dana Brown suggested that the free-agent third baseman is probably not returning to Houston.
  5. I believe the Cubs traded a PTBNL (or cash) to the Dodgers for righty reliever Ryan Brasier because Bregman may have already agreed to the framework of a contract with Chicago. The player yet to be named is key — albeit circumstantial at best — because it may mean that Jed Hoyer could be working on another trade that might bring back someone who would interest Los Angeles.
  6. Brasier will earn $4.5 million this year, but he might have cost less if the Cubs waited for him to clear waivers. Chicago has been linked to Robert Suárez and David Robertson, so why the sudden urgency to pivot to Brasier? Yes, he is cheaper, but the Cubs have several relievers with similar profiles already on their way to Arizona. In fact, Rob Zastryzny was DFA’d to open a roster spot for Brasier, which seems like a wash at best, especially because Rob Z is earning the league minimum. The Dodgers are reportedly paying a portion of Brasier’s salary. If the Cubs send cash back, it sounds more like a short-term loan.
  7. Everyone thinks Nico Hoerner would be moved if Chicago acquires Bregman, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Seiya Suzuki is traded instead. The Cubs don’t like to use one player strictly as a DH, and trading Suzuki would allow Matt Shaw to serve as a utilityman and as part of the team’s DH rotation. Plus, Bregman, Dansby Swanson, Hoerner, and Michael Busch might be the best defensive infield in the National League, if not all of baseball. Suzuki does have an NTC, but he’d probably waive it to get a chance to play right field elsewhere, especially if it is with a contending team.
  8. You know who needs an outfielder? The Padres, and Suzuki’s salary nearly matches the combined total of Suárez and Dylan Cease. That’s speculation overload, and Hoyer has never worked at such an overwhelming pace. That matchup dies a quick death, however, because both teams are trying to stay financially flexible and that kind of deal would contradict that desire. The Mariners might be a better trade partner if Suzuki is the bait, as would the Giants and Red Sox.

Keeping all that in mind, I believe Bregman is coming to the Cubs as soon as today. Let’s all day drink in Hoyer’s honor if he closes the deal. I still think the Cubs need to add a starter, but I wouldn’t mind seeing Ben Brown and/or Javier Assad following Justin Steele, Shōta Imanaga, Jameson Taillon, and Matthew Boyd. You can catch me this afternoon at The Wicked Hop in Milwaukee’s Third Ward drinking $3 Molsons if Bregman signs with the Cubs.

Cubs News & Notes

Odds & Sods

Bregman, Swanson, Hoerner (2018), Busch (2019), and Shaw (2023) were all first-round picks.

Central Intelligence

Wednesday Stove

The Orioles may be the best trade match for the Padres if Cease is indeed available.

Cease understands San Diego will likely trade him, but he told fans he loves pitching for the Padres.

The Red Sox are in talks with the Cardinals for Nolan Arenado.

The Diamondbacks agreed to terms with outfielder Randal Grichuk on a one-year deal.

The Orioles designated Luis Vázquez for assignment after signing outfielder Ramón Laureano.

Flamethrowing reliever Ben Joyce thinks his fastball can top 105.5 MPH, a mark he hit on September 3.

MLB fired umpire Pat Hoberg for violating its gambling policy. Hoberg was terminated last year but filed an appeal and lost.

Newly-inducted Hall of Fame closer Billy Wagner will have his No. 13 jersey retired by the Astros.

Giants hats have been pulled from retail sites because of a glaring issue.

PECOTA projects the Rockies to have a league-worst 106-107 losses.

Extra Innings

Brasier could be a sneaky-good addition, but he’s not going to generate a lot of strikeouts.

They Said It

  • “I know it’s a very young group [in Arizona]. I’m excited to work with all these guys. I see a lot of talent in that bullpen and a lot of guys that have a lot of explosive stuff that can really contribute to us winning. If we know how to use it and use it the right way. I think this can be a really, really good team that can go deep in the playoffs.” – Pressly
  • “I saw Griffey Jr. in the dugout, so I was like, ‘I got some time. I’m going to ask him as many questions as I possibly can.’ So I introduced myself to him and I just asked him, ‘How he was able to be consistent for so long?’…The first thing that he said to me was he was his biggest cheerleader: confidence and the confidence in him 24-7.” – Triantos

Wednesday Walk-Up Song

I’m already celebrating the potential addition of Bregman to Chicago’s lineup. Too early?

Photo of Michael Canter Michael CanterFebruary 5, 2025
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