The Chicago Cubs made a significant investment in free agency when they brought in veteran third baseman Alex Bregman on a five-year, $175 million deal.
The move was intended to bolster the lineup after losing key contributors, but early results have left fans and analysts questioning whether the high price tag will deliver the expected returns.
Bregman arrived in Chicago with a strong track record, including a career slash line around .270/.363/.471 and consistent production that made him one of the more reliable middle-of-the-order threats in the game. In the previous season with the Boston Red Sox, he posted a solid .821 OPS.
Yet through more than 400 plate appearances in 2026, his numbers have dipped noticeably to .241/.340/.345 with just seven home runs and 32 RBIs. If the trend continues, this could shape up as one of the most disappointing campaigns of his professional career.
Beyond the statistics, concerns have surfaced about Bregman’s approach and attitude at times, adding another layer of frustration for a Cubs team looking to contend.
His recent form has been particularly rough, hitting only .200 in June and slumping further to around .188 in the early part of July. Despite this, manager Craig Counsell continued to place him in the second spot in the batting order heading into a matchup against the Baltimore Orioles.
This decision drew sharp commentary from Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib, who argued that keeping Bregman so high in the lineup is hurting the team’s ability to score runs.
Campbell pointed out that Bregman has been especially ineffective with runners in scoring position, managing just a .184 average and .556 OPS in those situations—well below his career marks of .282/.382/.496 in similar spots. The second position in the order is typically reserved for one of the team’s most productive hitters, and current performance suggests Bregman has not filled that role effectively this season.
The critique essentially frames the situation as one where the Cubs may be enabling Bregman’s ongoing difficulties rather than addressing them directly.
Moving him down in the order could serve as both a practical adjustment to maximize run production and a motivational signal to the veteran. While it’s possible Bregman could rediscover his form and turn the page, the Cubs cannot afford to keep wasting scoring chances in the meantime.
Bregman’s defensive contributions and past leadership in clubhouses have been assets throughout his career, but the immediate priority for Chicago remains getting more consistent production from the position.
As the season progresses, Counsell and the front office will need to weigh how best to support Bregman while ensuring the lineup flows optimally. For a team with playoff aspirations, these kinds of lineup and usage decisions carry significant weight.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Bregman can rebound and justify the substantial commitment the Cubs made, or if further adjustments become necessary to keep the offense moving forward.
