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Jed Hoyer, Craig Counsell Discuss Cubs’ Third Base Plans

By Nick Deeds | February 9, 2025 at 7:04pm CDT

Pitchers and catchers reported to camp for the Cubs today, and as part of the start of camp president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer and manager Craig Counsell both spoke with the media about a number of topics. Third base was a particular focus of the media session after Chicago dealt incumbent third baseman Isaac Paredes to the Astros as part of the Kyle Tucker trade back in December. Notably, the Cubs have reportedly remained on the periphery of the market for longtime Astros third baseman Alex Bregman this winter as he’s lingered in free agency. While it does seem as though Chicago has interest in Bregman’s services, Hoyer made clear the club is currently focused on the players they already have internally in comments relayed by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“Unclear,” Hoyer said when asked if another major move was coming before Opening Day. “I think you always look for opportunity, but right now we’re going to focus on the guys we have in camp. That’s the plan.”

Nightengale reports that the Red Sox, Tigers, and Astros have all made offers of at least four years to Bregman at this point, and that’s largely consistent with previous reporting that has suggested Bregman has been presented with five- and six-year offers throughout the winter. As for the Cubs, Nightengale writes that there’s been “no indication” that the Cubs would be willing to offer more than a three-year deal, but added that they could be willing to offer Bregman the highest average annual value of any of his suitors should he settle for a short-term deal.

It’s a model that the club followed to re-sign Cody Bellinger last winter when they landed him on a three-year, $80MM pact in late February, and other high-profile free agents like Pete Alonso and Jack Flaherty have had to settle for similarly short-term offers previously this winter. Whether Bregman’s market will make it necessary for him to follow that same path remains to be seen, however, and it’s easy to imagine the Cubs simply going with their internal options at the position rather than committing to a lengthy contract with Bregman.

Of those internal options, the most exciting one for Cubs fans is surely top prospect Matt Shaw. The club’s 2023 first-round pick has done nothing but hit as a professional, with a .303/.384/.522 slash line across four levels of the minors to this point in his young career. That includes a fabulous 35-game stint at Triple-A late last year, where he hit .298/.395/.534 with a strikeout rate of just 19.7% in 152 trips to the plate. Shaw’s ascent has put him firmly on the big league radar headed into the 2025 season, and it seems as though (barring a surprise acquisition like Bregman) the 23-year-old will get every opportunity to open camp with the club this spring.

With that being said, Hoyer made clear (as relayed by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers) that Shaw will have to earn the position this spring and won’t just be handed the position. While Hoyer emphasized that they don’t plan to “anoint” the rookie, it’s worth pointing out that there isn’t a clear veteran option for the hot corner should they decide to pivot away from Shaw at this point. Vidal Brujan was acquired from the Marlins earlier this winter but has less than 100 innings of third base experience in the majors and is a career .189/.261/.270 hitter. Rule 5 pick Gage Workman is viewed as a plus defender at third base and hit well for the Tigers’ Double-A affiliate in Erie last year, but he hasn’t even played at the Triple-A level before making him arguably less experienced than Shaw himself.

Perhaps veteran utility man Jon Berti is the best internal third base candidate besides Shaw, though the 35-year-old is coming off a season where he was limited to just 25 games due to injuries and would be risky to rely on in an everyday role. He’s also reportedly under consideration to back up Michael Busch at first base, suggesting his best role may be one where his versatility is leveraged to allow him to fill in at multiple positions off the bench. Further complicating the Cubs’ infield mix is the uncertain timeline of second baseman Nico Hoerner. The Cubs revealed in late October that Hoerner had undergone flexor tendon surgery without providing a timeline for his return, and the latest update on his recovery process was that he had yet to begin throwing or hitting post-surgery and that his availability for the start of the season was in question.

Given all of that uncertainty around the infield, another infielder would certainly make sense for Chicago even if they aren’t willing to extend themselves to land Bregman. Free agent infield help is scarce at this point in the offseason, however. Aside from Bregman, the best third base options available are bench pieces like Paul DeJong and Luis Urias. It’s possible a trade could be had, with Brett Baty of the Mets, Oswaldo Cabrera of the Yankees, and Willi Castro of the Twins among speculative trade candidates who could still be available at this point in the winter, but the Cubs haven’t been tied to any of those names to this point.

Until and unless the Cubs add another infielder to give Shaw more robust competition for the Opening Day third base job, it seems very likely he’ll be at the hot corner for the club when the season begins. That figures to be true even if Hoerner isn’t ready for Opening Day, as Counsell told reporters (including Jordan Bastian of MLB.com) that Shaw’s focus is on third base this spring when asked if Shaw could spend some time at second base this spring to make him an option at the keystone should Hoerner begin the season on the IL.

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Chicago Cubs Alex Bregman Matt Shaw

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116 Comments

  1. ericl

    5 months ago

    Drury signed a minor league with the White Sox two days ago. He isn’t available.

    6
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      They could have had Moncada or Drury as fall back options but got suspiciously frugal.

      Reply
      • stymeedone

        5 months ago

        I really don’t think it was the money. I think they didn’t see Moncada or Drury as a desired option.

        1
        Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          5 months ago

          Jed Hoyer and Counsell get together and discussed things. Counsell immediately dropped 50 IQ points and went in for a CAT Scan

          Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      Per Nick Deeds, Joe Pepitone might be available at first.

      Reply
      • El Kabong

        5 months ago

        Pepitone is deceased. My first bat from Bat Day at Yankee Stadium had Pepi’s signature.

        3
        Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          5 months ago

          Oh that’s unfortunate. That would explain Joe’s diminished range and BABIP.

          3
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          5 months ago

          True, but his hair still looks mah-velous.

          2
          Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          5 months ago

          Jim Bouton in Ball 4, about the time they punked Joe by putting talcum powder in his hair dryer. When he went to use it all hell broke loose and he went on a rampage, looking like a furious George Washington

          Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      5 months ago

      Mariners will trade you Miles Mastrobuoni for Tyson Miller.

      Reply
  2. MLB Top 100 Commenter

    5 months ago

    Cubs put a lid on the Bregman rumors

    4
    Reply
    • CubsIn25

      5 months ago

      Which is a good thing. Doesn’t seem like he wants to leave Houston…seems he’s waiting for a deal that’ll hamstring whichever team he signs with.

      11
      Reply
      • kgcubs

        5 months ago

        Aloha Cubs25, I guess he’s not the first or last to use other teams to get the funds/years up. Judge used the Giants to get the deal he wanted in NY. Shohei used the Giants and Jays to get deal with LA. Another Cub fan has said, his proposal, that all free agents must sign 30 days after the world series. I love that timeline so that this kind of BS stops. I didn’t like what happened with Cody last year and now we this. Teams need to have rosters in place and practicing, working together. The Tokyo series is right around the corner. Let’s hope for the best. Mahalo!

        2
        Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          Hey kg

          Yeah, Feb 9 and no end in sight. Pitchers and catchers already reported…this charade needs some new rules directing contracts to find reasonable and timely conclusions.

          Ohtani and Judge were worth their contracts. Bregman’s desperately trying to create artificial interest. He’s not as good or valuable as the others. It’s a huge turnoff as a fan.

          7
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          5 months ago

          Bregman had/has teammates in Houston who are worth more than him, one of whom has already been traded. There is no way the Astros (or anyone) should give him Yordan Alvarez money.

          1
          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          Just depends who blinks first. If he’s worth enough to the Astros fanbase financially, they may bite for that reason too. They don’t need his glove, and his bat hasn’t been elite for awhile, that’s for sure, but can he justify his salary with jersey sales?

          Reply
        • kgcubs

          5 months ago

          Aloha Cubs25, I wish they didn’t put everyone through all the charades just give the team you want to play for, your demands and be done with it. I’d have so much more respect for the players and the process. Well, I hope for the best and that Shaw gets a chance to prove himself. Mahalo

          1
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          5 months ago

          I understand your point, but Tucker should have been the Astros’ big investment. I admire the Cubs for pulling off the Tucker trade and hope they re-sign him when the time comes.

          2
          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          Agreed. Tucker is a franchise player who’s been severely undervalued to this point. I hope the Cubs can sign him too, but if past precedent predicts anything, Hayward will probably still hold the record for largest Cubs contract ever.

          Cam Smith is a pretty good consolation prize though. I am really disappointed to lose him.

          2
          Reply
        • kgcubs

          5 months ago

          Cubs25, I’m so upset to lose Cam Smith and Paredes could really turn it around in Houston in Daikin Park. Hoyer traded away so much for a rental. Don’t get me wrong, Tucker is quite a player and I agree with El Kabong that Houston should have made Kyle the face of their franchise.

          To your point, JHey from 2016 is the largest Cubs franchise deal and I don’t see ownership blowing past that to extend Tucker. I’m not sure Hoyer had a plan on how to build a contender this off season if Kyle was traded for and Paredes & Bellinger were traded away. Well, I hope for the best. Take care now. Mahalo!

          1
          Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          5 months ago

          2 steps forward and 1 step back with Hoyers off-season moves. Don’t think he understands the concept of all-in. It’s like every third transaction doesn’t make sense. Maybe he has spotty wifi. Ricketts need to sign up for more bandwidth?

          2
          Reply
        • Baseballisthebest

          5 months ago

          Alvarez was not a free agent when he signed. He was a first time arbitration eligible player and would not be a free agent now. Bregman should and will get more than 6/115.

          Im sure you knew that and we’re just trying to be hateful. Why people choose to be jerks just because a player wants to get paid as much as they can is beyond my comprehension. Should we walk into your bosses office and lobby for you to get paid less money?

          2
          Reply
        • El Kabong

          5 months ago

          Since I mentioned Alvarez, I assume you’re referring to me. I understand Alvarez’s situation. The Astros made a longer commitment to him because he’s a franchise-type player. On the other hand, Bregman is not a franchise player, especially at this stage of his career.

          I don’t think anyone claims players shouldn’t try to get as much as they can; I certainly am not. What they’re questioning is trading a better player in Tucker and possibly turning around and signing a lesser player to a high AAV long-term deal.

          2
          Reply
        • Irbias

          5 months ago

          HOU was never going to sign/extend Tucker. He’s a solid 30/30 guy and legit MVP candidate, and young enough to easily command in the 10/300 range. Wouldn’t matter if the guy was Babe Ruth. That kind of contract is way outside Jim Crane’s financial parameters. That is: draft and develop well, tap the occasional FA and lock up guys here and there for 5-6 yrs. Bregman fits the plan. Really hated to lose King Tuck. He’s gonna be a super star for a long time. I wish him well.

          Reply
        • Irbias

          5 months ago

          Cubs fans can’t say enough good things about Cam Smith. I hope y’all are right. I also hope Paredes and Wesneski play well. I know what your getting in Tucker. Have seen him up close from the beginning. The guy’s a stud.

          Reply
        • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

          5 months ago

          Tucker’s playoff numbers can look a little dodgy at times. I seem to recall entire postseason series where he would disappear altogether. People yell at me “Small sample size, you idiot!” but I think it’s important to scrutinize how a player performs under the bright lights with all the pressure. Some guys are made for those moments and some guys are made to hit solo homeruns in garbage time.

          1
          Reply
        • Baseballisthebest

          5 months ago

          What does Tucker have to do with Bregman signing for more than Alvarez? That is a weird spin.

          You said; “Bregman had/has teammates in Houston who are worth more than him, one of whom has already been traded. There is no way the Astros (or anyone) should give him Yordan Alvarez money.”

          You were arguing that Bregman should not be getting as much as he can. You were trying to say he shouldn’t get 6/115.

          Bregman is a free agent. Free agents get more than 1st year arbitration eligible players like Alvarez was when he signed that extension.

          Bregman has a higher peak performance in his career and a higher average WAR per season than Alvarez.

          Last offseason free agent players earned $9.25 million per point of WAR over their previous season. For Bregman who performed to the tune of 4.1 WAR that would be $37.925 million.

          I don’t think he is asking for that much, but he should top $30 million AAV and in a 4 year deal would surpass Alvarez’s deal.

          Multiple teams have offered Bregman 6 years or more. The Astros originally offered him 6/156 and have since increased that offer. In case you don’t know, that is more than 6/115.

          1
          Reply
        • Baseballisthebest

          5 months ago

          Irbias, if he stays healthy and has another 5 WAR season Tucker will surpass $400 million. Steve said in a recent chat that $450 million was possible.

          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          If they’re saying 450M is possible, he’ll probably end up in LA or NY for 550M.

          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          I don’t think 6/115 is anywhere near what anyone is saying. I think it’s more like 4/115 or 6/160 (or more).

          Bregman is holding out for 7/200. That’s an unreasonable ask, which will unduly burden any team’s budget as he ages. He’s worth 30M next year, maybe, but certainly not in years 4-7.

          His walk year was one of the worst offensive years of his career. The market adjusted his valuation, but stubborn Boras and Bregman are unwilling to do the same. It may end up being their loss, or some owner may roll the dice and cave in… the next few days will unfold and we’ll know soon I’m sure.

          Boras is likely more concerned about the court of public opinion scrutinizing him at this point for not more pragmatically optimizing the returns for his clients…

          1
          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          Yeah, the guy homered in six straight not long after being promoted. He’s gonna be a force in the MLB for years to come. His skills are ridiculous and his work ethic is outstanding.

          Paredes should benefit from the new venue and Wesneski always brought value whether starting, long relief, or strictly bullpen.

          If the Cubs lock up Tucker long term or if they win the WS in 2025, it’ll have been worth it, but it won’t be a fleecing of the Stros. If Tucker walks in 2026 and the Cubs don’t win it all, Houston will have won that trade in a landslide.

          1
          Reply
        • bronyaur

          5 months ago

          I believe that maybe two teams have offered Bergman 6+ years. He is an idiot if he doesn’t take 6/156 or what has been reported as the Cubs offer of much higher AAV and opt outs.

          More Boras harm to his clients.

          Reply
        • Fred K. Burke

          5 months ago

          As a Cubs fan I do hope they resign Tucker but not happening. Just being realistic and sensible. Last I heard, this was after the trade, so a while ago, Tucker is looking at 8 years/360,000,000. Obviously a lot can change. He could have a down year. He could have an injury/injuries. Bottom line is the Cubs won’t spend that kind of money.

          Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          5 months ago

          Yeah, A 1 year stud in a year where the Cubs have no shot at the WS. Stupid trade. Or re signing him. Cubs just trade a 1st round stud for maybe a 2nd round compensatory pick at best. Awesome.

          1
          Reply
        • Fred K. Burke

          5 months ago

          As I said before Jed Hoyer should be in concussion protocol.

          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          $360M might be doable. The problem is a NY or LA/Anaheim team is gonna put stupid money out there ($450M? $500M?) and Hoyer’s gonna bow out. Waste of a high end prospect.

          Reply
        • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

          5 months ago

          Uncle Mike, if the Cubs sign Bregman and trade for Luis Castillo or one of the Padres pitchers, they could make it to the World Series and so maximize their time with Tucker. In other words, they need to go all-in for it to work.

          Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          5 months ago

          The time to ” Go for it” was on Dec 15. You don’t ” Go for it ” on Feb 10. And you have to have somebody with a vision of what you want the team to look like. Steeeeerike.

          Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      Lid and a Hefty bag on those rumors. Trash day!

      Reply
      • rondon

        5 months ago

        When ya coming by, trash man?

        2
        Reply
    • Alan53

      5 months ago

      A guy named Michael Canter of a blog called “Cubs Insider” actually wrote several days ago that he has a relative who knows the Bregmans and who said they told him Alex was coming to the Cubs. I thought that sort of “reporting” went out, as Harry used to say, “with high-button shoes.” I feel sorry for naive fans who actually believed that, and I wish Mr. Canter well in whatever his new job is.

      1
      Reply
  3. cubfanforever

    5 months ago

    Sign DeJong.

    2
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      Smoke DeBong.

      4
      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        Bang DeGong

        7
        Reply
        • Dumpster Divin Theo

          5 months ago

          T-Rex deep cut reference. Solid.

          3
          Reply
      • Unclemike1526

        5 months ago

        Pass the blunt.

        Reply
  4. GOP Lizards

    5 months ago

    You can have Chris Taylor.

    2
    Reply
    • Lomez

      5 months ago

      That would be a very Cubs move this offseason. Dodgers did just added Kiki Hernandez back.

      Reply
  5. mlb fan

    5 months ago

    Managers don’t win division titles, rings or championships, players do.

    4
    Reply
    • adkuchan

      5 months ago

      Sometimes they lose them.

      Reply
  6. The Chicago Cubs

    5 months ago

    Signing Bregman would be nice but meeting his asking price would be a massive mistake. Hopefully Matt Shaw can play up to his capabilities/hype and nico gets healthy.

    5
    Reply
    • CubsIn25

      5 months ago

      Agreed. Give him a team friendly offer and put a deadline on it. Move on if he doesn’t want it.

      3
      Reply
      • The Chicago Cubs

        5 months ago

        If Matt Shaw doesn’t work out where would the cubs pivot to? Maybe some sort of trade, since we have a deep farm system. Maybe workman gets a shot? I do have my concerns over Shaws arm at 3rd.

        Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          I kinda like the idea of Workman, but he’s even more of a question mark than Shaw. His defense grades out as legit, so his bat is the biggest risk.

          I think Berti and Workman could hold down the hot corner until mid season and then see who’s available in trade (assuming the Cubs are buyers).

          I’m concerned that if they rush to pick up Bregman that Hoyer will trade incumbent 2nd baseman Hoerner (GG defense, low strikeout rate, speed on the basepaths). I know we have some up and coming keystone players, but a bird in the hand (Hoerner) is worth two in the bush (Shaw, Triantos)

          Reply
        • MLB Top 100 Commenter

          5 months ago

          I am more worried that Busch will regress than that Shaw cannot handle the promotion.

          With Shaw at 3B, it justified trading for Tucker.

          Bregman is not worth it. I like the Cubs roster although I would be open to adding another pitcher if the deal does not involve giving up a team top 20 prospect.

          Reply
  7. whyhayzee

    5 months ago

    I don’t know.

    Reply
  8. Blah blah blah

    5 months ago

    I refuse to believe that a 5’-9” noodle arm can play the hot corner. Shaw’s bat might be good enough but you will be taking a massive hit defensively.

    1
    Reply
    • CubsIn25

      5 months ago

      Worst case scenario if he can’t hack it is he moves over to 2B when Horner is gone and Triantos is either traded or moves to a utility role

      1
      Reply
    • MLB Top 100 Commenter

      5 months ago

      Shaw’s glove will be a huge upgrade on Morel and Paredes.

      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        The glove is fine. Arm strength is the concern and can his success at the plate against minor league pitching translate at the big league level.

        Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          5 months ago

          It’s OK if Shaw doesn’t work out we always have Cam Smith. Ahhhh crap!

          1
          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          Exactly my friend

          Reply
  9. Fernando P

    5 months ago

    Don’t see Cabrera as available as he’s one of the Yankees third base options…unless they upgrade there

    1
    Reply
  10. Bruce wulff

    5 months ago

    Hoyer says Shaw has got to earn it but if he falls short offensively or defensively and they don’t bring in Bergman, then who?

    2
    Reply
    • Rsox

      5 months ago

      At that point it’s either take a bad contract in a trade (Candelario), or scour the waiver wire/free agency when players start getting cut

      4
      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        A couple of the bench signings and their rule 5 guy might be able to keep the spot warm for a bit, but they’re really banking on Shaw being able to hit the ground running and stick there

        1
        Reply
    • Canuckleball

      5 months ago

      Like the article says, Berti is probably the emergency backup for 3rd if Shaw isn’t ready. He’s been defensively solid at 3rd, though his bat is a little weak, and of course there are health concerns. Which is why he’s not the starter to begin with. Any waiver wire type guys aren’t going to be any better then Berti.

      1
      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        He’s also the backup to Busch at first, so someone else would have to step up if Shaw can’t cut it

        Reply
    • westcasey

      5 months ago

      exactly. If they think they can win this season, go for it. Go get Bregman. Give him a good year 1 with opt out which Borass loves.
      $31M opt out, $28M opt out, $25 M opt out, $22M, $20,M, $18M

      waiting, hoping for Shaw, Triantos, Busch, plus Hoerner…Cubs have Tucker for 1 season. Go for it

      1
      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        I’d guess the Cubs would go for the first four years of that, but l6 years locks Shaw out of 3B too long with an aging veteran who’s best days are behind him.

        Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          *6 years

          Reply
        • Baseballisthebest

          5 months ago

          It puts Shaw at 2B where he belongs in 2 years when Hoerners deal is up.

          1
          Reply
        • CubsIn25

          5 months ago

          So, you think Shaw needs two more years of seasoning in the minors before he’s ready to play 2B? Wow. Glad you’re not the POBO

          Reply
        • bronyaur

          5 months ago

          I believe Shaw would be trade bait if that happens. Worry about 2026 next off season. The Cubs are a large revenue market team with a really good farm right now.

          Reply
      • Dumpster Divin Theo

        5 months ago

        Go for it. Move ahead. It’s not too late. To whippet. Whippet good

        1
        Reply
    • Ignorant Son-of-a-b

      5 months ago

      Diamondbacks might dangle Eugenio Suarez for a projected 2 WAR trade piece.

      Reply
  11. jvent

    5 months ago

    Baty and Parada for Horton

    Reply
    • Rsox

      5 months ago

      “Anderson”

      “I like Anderson”

      “No you don’t. I don’t even like him”

      1
      Reply
  12. Bruce wulff

    5 months ago

    If Jed is itruly serious about making the cubs a formidable tteam in this his last contractual year, he’d bettter trade a couple of his prized minor leaguers for an established 3rd baseman instead of any journey man or waiver type! Time is ticking away

    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      Time keeps on ticking ticking. Into the future

      1
      Reply
      • Acoss1331

        5 months ago

        Fly like an eagle! *Jordan montage*

        Reply
        • Unclemike1526

          5 months ago

          I don’t know about ” Fly Like an Eagle” But with eggs being 7 bucks a dozen I saw a Chicken driving a Maserati yesterday.

          1
          Reply
  13. Baseballisthebest

    5 months ago

    “We gonna suck at third because I messed up” -Hoyer

    Reply
    • gbs42

      5 months ago

      You’re assuming Shaw is going to suck?

      4
      Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        @BITA

        You’re responding to a question with a question?

        2
        Reply
      • Baseballisthebest

        5 months ago

        Are you assuming Shaw won’t suck? If you are, history is not on your side.

        I’m translating POBO speak into English. Teams that are aiming to go deep in the playoffs don’t rely on unproven players at key positions if they can help it.

        Reply
        • Bucket Number Six

          5 months ago

          You gotta promote your top prospect when he looks ready and there’s a need.

          Reply
      • Baseballisthebest

        5 months ago

        You are responding to his response to a question with a question with another question?

        1
        Reply
      • CubsIn25

        5 months ago

        Nothing gets by you

        1
        Reply
      • gbs42

        5 months ago

        BITA,

        There’s a wide range of outcomes between “suck” and “good.”

        2
        Reply
      • gbs42

        5 months ago

        Best,

        Welcome to the Jeopardy portion of the comment section.

        2
        Reply
  14. Brick House Coffee Tables Inc

    5 months ago

    Brujan will make the trip to Japan as they are allowed an extra position player, and they won’t need a #4 and #5 starter so they can start guys like Pearson and Morgan at AAA and take a bigger bench. 16 hitters and 12 pitchers is likely.

    And then Brujan will be DFA just as all the other teams are scrambling to fill their 26 man opening day rosters, and will be outrighted to Iowa for injury depth.

    Reply
  15. desertbull

    5 months ago

    Hoyer is prohibited to talk about FA’s by MLB rules.

    1
    Reply
    • Aaron Sapoznik

      5 months ago

      Technically, GM’s are only prohibited from talking about “specifics” agreed upon in the CBA regarding free agent negotiations with their team. Most prefer not divulge any information to the media but they are not expressly forbidden to “acknowledge” interest or contact in any free agent when they officially become one.

      2
      Reply
  16. BigBopper

    5 months ago

    Iglesias is the answer. Jed needs to call his agent.

    1
    Reply
  17. Acoss1331

    5 months ago

    Give Shaw as much run as possible in Spring Training, Triantos as well. Would rather have Shaw and Triantos break camp with Berti as a back-up then getting Bregman. He’s clearly looking to get a bag and years. No thank you, his slash line in 2024 is not great.

    3
    Reply
    • Baseballisthebest

      5 months ago

      Bregman’s 4.0 WAR in 2024 is 4 higher than Shaw and Triantos and 3.4 higher than Berti.

      If the goal is to win in 2025, Bregman is the call. If the goal is to wait until one of the rookies shows they can do the job, then go with Shaw and Triantos.

      For Hoyer that is a huge gamble. One that if the rookies don’t immediately play at Bregman’s level and prove to be All Stars will cost Hoyer his job.

      1
      Reply
      • Bucket Number Six

        5 months ago

        Shaw is the top prospect, a 55 FV, projected for 2 fWAR and he’ll cost a rookie salary. The Cubs got zero fWAR out of their third basemen in 2024. They will likely see some improvement at third this year.

        Bregman is on the wrong side of 30 and will cost well over $100 million on a long term contract. Maybe if they can get Bregman on a Bellinger type deal, it might be worth it.

        2
        Reply
      • stymeedone

        5 months ago

        Its a business. They have a budget. Breaking the budget is not a decision the POBO can make on his own. That too can get him fired.

        1
        Reply
      • cwsOverhaul

        5 months ago

        @bballisbest: Don’t think anyone is arguing against Bregman being a good player. Any individual player or worker can declare they want more, but it becomes worthless if none of the buyers agree. Interested parties have assessed him relative to their own club situations.
        Stay home with Hou for biggest l-t guarantee (Detroit doesn’t seem inclined to get used further to up Astros offer)……or roll dice for 3yr high AAV opt out deals with Cubs or RSox. Nothing personal-everyone looking out for their money and interests.

        Reply
      • bronyaur

        5 months ago

        Bergman will def help the Cubs win in 2025. In 2028, 2029, amd 2030 he likely will help them lose. Not a good deal at all.

        1
        Reply
  18. brucenewton

    5 months ago

    They shouldn’t block Shaw at 3B. He should hit, good power/speed and he’s got great range at 3B, albeit not a great arm. RoY sleeper.

    2
    Reply
  19. CubsIn25

    5 months ago

    Urias is the answer?? With his career 97 OPS+? No thanks, I’d rather take a shot with current in house options than a “never was” who had one decent year in 2021.

    Reply
    • CubsIn25

      5 months ago

      Dude, we’re talking about Shaw’s replacement if he sucks.

      If he sucks, I’d rather go with in house options over your suggestion that Urias is a good option.

      1
      Reply
    • CubsIn25

      5 months ago

      Shaw is primary. If he sucks, backup in house options of Berti and Workman seem like they’d be better than adding Urias to the payroll.

      2
      Reply
  20. davidk1979

    5 months ago

    Drury signed with the Chisox

    3
    Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      5 months ago

      In other news, Nick Deeds reports Juan Soto and Sasaki might be options.

      2
      Reply
  21. CubsIn25

    5 months ago

    Are you authorized to speak on behalf of all “POBO’s”? History…Translating? That’s good stuff.

    “If they can help it” is the key phrase. You don’t know the inner workings of the Bregman situation, and neither does anyone on this comment board. Not all decisions are going to be ideal. Low cost, experienced, and talented 3B men don’t grow on trees. All these POBO’s that you’re speaking on behalf of might talk about allocating finite resources and blending FA purchases with home grown talent.

    Bregman isn’t just a salary and tax hit. He’d cost a draft pick since he declined the qualifying offer from the Stros. There’s also speculation they’d dump Nico Hoerner to afford Bregman. Is that really a huge upside?

    2
    Reply
    • bronyaur

      5 months ago

      Two draft picks, I think. And Intl money.

      Reply
  22. statyllus

    5 months ago

    Hoyer’s job is dependent on Cubs making the playoff. There is no way -zero chance – that he’ll bet his job on Matt Shaw being the. Cubs everyday third baseman. Bregman or some other player with extensive record of contribution at 3B is going to be the 3B.. 80% chance it’s Bregman

    Reply
  23. TMac1950

    5 months ago

    Shaw is a great prospect who has nothing else to prove in the minors. Play him. He may hit the ground running or he may have some growing pains. But he’ll come around.

    1
    Reply
  24. Bruce wulff

    5 months ago

    With the cubs and Jed hoyer, it’s always been whether maintaining a budget limit or paying extra for that one player to put them over the top, the budget wins out virtually all the time!

    1
    Reply
  25. Bruce wulff

    5 months ago

    Cubs are only 12 of 30 teams for winning it all with baseball oddsmakers which is fine with hoyer if the team wins 90 games and take their division and as long as the teams budget is not more than the threshold.

    Reply
  26. Dumpster Divin Theo

    5 months ago

    Conundrum for Jed in deciding how to expend scarce resources for that final orchestral chair. 3rd bass? Or 4th French horn?

    2
    Reply
    • Unclemike1526

      5 months ago

      A conundrum for Jed is whether to have his eggs scrambled or over easy. Especially since they’re 7 bucks a dozen. Gotta love the new economic plan to kill inflation. If he’s even thinking about tossing out another stupid Bellinger deal after getting burned last year and then managing to weasel out of it, Well then you haven’t really been paying attention to his regime over the years. Welcome Alex.

      1
      Reply
  27. BeeVeeTee

    5 months ago

    Don’t be surprised to see the Cubs actually talk to the Guardians about Jose Ramirez at or around the trade deadline if the Guardians are struggling at that point!

    Reply

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