The Cubs look much improved, with a bolstered bullpen thanks to the acquisitions of Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan, Cody Poteet and Caleb Thielbar, and of course the new marquee man, outfielder Kyle Tucker.
But the acquisition they really wanted to make was star third baseman Alex Bregman, who would have given them the game’s best defensive infield and made them clear division favorites.
The Cubs and Red Sox apparently were Bregman’s preferred destinations, but Chicago’s best offer of $115 million over four years couldn’t touch winning Boston’s $120M over three, even with significant deferrals in the Red Sox deal.
Bregman would have given the Cubs a third Gold Glove infielder in addition to shortstop Dansby Swanson and second baseman Nico Horner, and first baseman Michael Busch is worthy of one.