During the offseason, Bregman was reportedly on the verge of signing elsewhere before settling on Chicago. According to Hoyer, the Red Sox and the Cubs were the only serious contenders in the race for Bregman’s signature.

“I had a good feeling it would come down to us or the Red Sox,” Hoyer explained to the New York Post‘s Jon Heyman. “Even going back to the start of the offseason, we had maintained good communication with him. He was aware of our interest. We immediately rekindled that interest at the start of the offseason, but I knew he had a positive experience in Boston.”

Hoyer continued, “They’re a talented young team, and he fit in well with their young players. For that reason, I knew it would be challenging to convince him not to choose the Red Sox.”

Hoyer’s comments on Bregman ahead of the next season

Bregman is one of the top players that MLB fans eagerly anticipate watching this upcoming season. Hoyer shared his thoughts on Bregman and the expectations for his first year with the Cubs.

“He’s an exceptional player. He plays great defense, makes solid contact, has power, and makes smart decisions. Beyond that, I believe he brings a level of leadership to a team that’s built to win. That’s incredibly important. He’s someone who wants to elevate his teammates, who wants to lead. There aren’t many players like that who embrace that responsibility,“ Hoyer added.

Bregman’s thoughts on joining the Cubs

With palpable excitement, Bregman is approaching the spring training games with the Cubs. He recently spoke about his decision to join the Cubs and why he chose them over the Red Sox.

With the landscape set and the way the Cubs secured Bregman, there’s confidence that this year, the team can achieve their primary goal: securing a spot in the World Series. The current roster has the full confidence of both the front office and coaching staff.

Bregman’s decision reflects more than just money or team history. The Cubs’ recent playoff appearance and readiness to contend caught his attention, making Chicago an appealing fit for both him and his family.

During a recent MLB Network interview, Bregman explained his choice: “I think first and foremost, they valued what we valued, me and my family. I think it’s a great place that I have a chance to win…“

He also added, “These guys know what it takes to win. I feel like we have a good opportunity to win a lot of baseball games, hopefully play some meaningful baseball in October.”

What made the Cubs the right fit over Boston and other teams?

Bregman’s leadership was also key, and after being praised for guiding teammates in Boston, he brings that experience to a Cubs team eager to win its first World Series since 2016. His presence could be vital in both the clubhouse and on the field.

All eyes will be on how Bregman fits with the Cubs and whether he can help the team return to playoff contention. The upcoming season will show if this high-profile signing translates into October success.

Veterans and cornerstone pieces such as Dansby Swanson occupy prominent spots within that structure. Some deals reflect both performance and expectation, anchoring a roster built to remain competitive over the long haul.

As salaries continue to shape roster construction across the MLB, their top earners offer a glimpse into its strategic balance of experience, stability and upside, revealing how those commitments align with their broader ambitions.

Who are the highest-paid Cubs in 2026?

The Chicago Cubs’ highest-paid players are led by Alex Bregman, whose five-year, $175 million contract places him at the top of the team’s salary structure with $32.5 million, according to Spotrac’s 2026 payroll projections.

His average annual value ranks among the largest commitments on the roster, reflecting the franchise’s major investment in adding a proven impact bat. Right behind him is Dansby Swanson with $25.2 million, one of the cornerstones of the lineup.

These contracts outline the financial core of the roster. The distribution of salary reflects a blend of veteran stability and strategic acquisitions, showing where the organization has chosen to concentrate its biggest investments heading into the 2026 season.

“I don’t like to speak ill of any player. I’d like to say that he’s a wonderful person… But, of course, when we had an injury at first base [to Triston Casas] his unwillingness to play that position was extremely discouraging… It was a discouraging episode… Just pick up a glove,” Werner said of Devers.

For those who may not remember, Devers himself had said he was not ready to play first base, and from there the situation escalated into an intense drama closely followed by reporters around the clock. Ultimately, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants in a midseason June move that caught many by surprise.

The Bregman situation, according to Werner, is in the past

Werner does not want any lingering drama surrounding the Bregman situation. In the view of the Red Sox owner, Bregman ultimately chose to sign elsewhere largely for family reasons, and not simply because the Chicago Cubs may have offered more money.

“I don’t think that it was simply about the fact that he was offered a bit more money in Chicago. I think that he’s happy to be in Arizona [for spring training] where his family is. I have enormous respect for Alex, but it wasn’t meant to be and we moved on… I think people have made too much of that. I don’t think that was the dispositive issue.”

Team president Sam Kennedy also addressed Bregman’s departure, including whether a no-trade clause might have changed the outcome. “There’s many different parts of a contract negotiation. We did not come to an agreement. So obviously, he’s a Chicago Cub and wish him well until the end of the year.”

Kennedy recently spoke with the press, and naturally, he was asked about the situation. While the CEO expressed his gratitude for everything Bregman contributed to Boston, he also stated that the story could have had a different outcome, but the player chose to move on.

“If Alex Bregman wanted to be here, he would be here,” Kennedy said. Despite the back-and-forth in the statements, the fact remains that Bregman has moved on to Chi‑City, and now the Red Sox must move forward without him.

Boston has reasons to be excited

Despite the departure of Alex Bregman to the Cubs, Alex Cora’s Red Sox have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into the 2026 season. The roster has been bolstered by significant veteran additions, including starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo, and the versatile Willson Contreras, who is expected to anchor the middle of the order.

Perhaps most exciting for the Fenway faithful is the arrival of the Big Three prospects—Marcelo Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Kyle Teel—all of whom are poised to make a massive impact after their 2025 promotions.

With Cora locked in through 2027 and a rotation led by ace Garrett Crochet, Boston is transitioning from a period of uncertainty into a high-ceiling era defined by an elite young core and strategic veteran leadership.

“Day 1 @Cubs. Let’s go!,” Bregman wrote in his latest X post. The third baseman hadn’t made any posts of his own since signing with the Cubs. Now, he broke his silence with a message showing his excitement.

As expected, his post drew attention from fans across MLB with both the Red Sox and Cubs fanbases reacting. Obviously, their reactions were quite different. While fans in Boston still feel sorrow for his departure, those in Chicago are excited about Bregman’s first year in town.

Bregman’s numbers in 2025

With Bregman joining the mix, there are reasons to be hopeful in Chi-city. The Cubs are still lamenting Kyle Tucker’s departure, but Bregman’s arrival does help ease the pain ahead of the 2026 MLB season.

Bregman has laid the facts on the ground. After delivering a remarkable campaign in 2025, the three-time All-Star is ready to follow suit in 2026—albeit in a different environment.

Last season, Bregman appeared in 114 games, recording 64 runs, 118 hits, and 18 home runs. Moreover, Bregman posted a .273 batting average, .360 OBP, .462 SLG, and .821 OPS.

Among the moves under consideration is a minor trade involving infielder Tristan Gray, who has shown promise as a utility option capable of playing multiple infield positions.

According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, “Red Sox are expected to make a small trade this morning involving Tristan Gray, sources say.” Further reporting indicated that Gray is being sent to the Minnesota Twins, though the return for Boston remains unclear.

How does this trade fit into Boston’s roster strategy?

The Red Sox are clearly aiming to balance depth with cost efficiency. While Gray may not be a marquee name, the move frees up a roster spot and could allow Boston to target more impactful infield options. This approach could align with its offseason plan to pair young talent like Marcelo Mayer with experienced contributors.

As Boston finalizes the deal, all eyes will be on the corresponding moves in the coming days. With the addition of Ranger Suárez to the rotation and continued infield adjustments, the Red Sox are signaling a proactive approach to remain competitive in the American League East despite losing Bregman.

Despite building one of the league’s strongest rotations with the addition of Ranger Suárez, the Red Sox still face uncertainty at second and third base. Internal confidence exists in Marcelo Mayer, but the front office continues to evaluate outside options to stabilize the infield.

That search widened this week when Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that Boston has begun exploring multiple infield alternatives, including an unexpected name from the Philadelphia Phillies. “Alec Bohm and free agent Eugenio Suárez are among other available infielders,” Heyman wrote, placing the Phillies All-Star firmly on Boston’s radar.

Why Alec Bohm has entered the Red Sox conversation

Alec Bohm had not previously been a consistent name linked to Boston, making his inclusion notable. The 2024 All-Star surfaced in trade speculation earlier this offseason when Philadelphia pursued Bo Bichette, a scenario that could have forced roster changes had the deal materialized.

Bohm’s contract situation adds to the intrigue. He is under team control through 2026 at a manageable salary and brings right-handed power with proven run production.

What comes next for Boston’s infield plans

Boston’s approach reflects urgency rather than desperation. The Red Sox appear intent on complementing their pitching strength with a reliable infield presence, whether through trade or free agency.

As negotiations across the league continue, Bohm represents one of several paths Boston could pursue. The coming weeks may determine whether this emerging rumor evolves into a concrete move—or remains part of a broader infield evaluation.

Even more so after news emerged that there is a strong likelihood no major moves will be made within the team, including involving one of their All-Stars. Marino Pepen made this clear through his X account.

“Industry sources indicate that with the #RedSox rotation complete, it is unlikely they will trade Jarren Duran,” the insider revealed. “Duran has the highest bWAR (15.6) of any #RedSox player over the last three years, making it essential to keep him on the team for his offense and determination.”

The outfielder arrived in Fenway in 2021, and it was in 2024 that he was selected to participate in the All-Star Game. Alex Cora can rest easy knowing that, in some way, he has more than enough talent to face what’s ahead.

One of the last season’s cornerstones

Alongside Alex Bregman, Jarren Duran emerged as a cornerstone of the Boston Red Sox‘s lineup during the 2025 season. The dynamic outfielder showcased a blend of power and consistency, finishing the year with a .256 batting average, 16 home runs, and 84 runs batted in.

His ability to drive the ball into the gaps resulted in a solid .774 OPS, while his speed remained a major factor as he swiped 24 bases and led the team with 13 triples.

While his offensive numbers saw a slight regression compared to his breakout 2024 MVP-caliber campaign, Duran’s elite defense in left field and his reliable presence at the top of the order solidified his status as one of the most valuable all-around players in the American League.

What’s the story all about? MLB.com’s Travis Sawchik conducted an interesting analysis on how Bregman’s move to the Cubs could eventually position the Mets as a prime landing spot for one of the remaining free agents: Framber Valdez.

“It’s possible that, in light of signing Alex Bregman, the Cubs are done making major free-agent splashes,“ he said. In this scenario, and despite having signed Bo Bichette, the arrival of the former Astros player to Queens wouldn’t seem out of the question.

Sawchik also didn’t rule out two other potential destinations for the standout player: both the Baltimore Orioles and the San Francisco Giants have reportedly inquired. So, where will Valdez end up playing in the 2026 season?

How much could Valdez help if he lands in Queens?

As a two-time All-Star and a proven postseason workhorse, Framber Valdez would provide the New York Mets with the durable, top-of-the-rotation lefty they’ve been missing. His elite ability to suppress home runs and eat innings—averaging 192.0 innings with a 3.66 ERA and 187 strikeouts in 2025—would offer a reliable anchor for the rotation.

Valdez is arguably the game’s most efficient contact manager; his 62% ground-ball rate since 2021 ranks fourth among all qualified arms, and he consistently leads baseball in double plays generated over that same span.

By adding Valdez, New York wouldn’t just be acquiring a veteran leader; it would be securing a quality start machine capable of stabilizing the rotation and providing the high-leverage consistency needed for a deep October run.

The setback intensified after Bo Bichette came off the board, leaving the Red Sox without their two primary targets. As roster flexibility becomes increasingly important, the organization appears willing to explore more aggressive trade scenarios to address a clear infield need.

As Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic reports, Boston could pivot back to top star infielder Ketel Marte, despite the Arizona Diamondbacks recently signaling he was off the market. “The Red Sox could entice Arizona with a bigger trade package,” McCaffrey wrote, noting that Arizona covets Jarren Duran and young pitching, and that Boston now has more flexibility to deal a starter.

Why Ketel Marte still makes sense for Boston

While Arizona paused trade talks, Marte was never labeled untouchable. The Diamondbacks simply were not satisfied with earlier offers. Boston, however, may now be positioned to revisit discussions with a stronger proposal, potentially addressing its infield vacancy while easing an outfield logjam.

Contract control adds long-term appeal

Marte remains under contract through 2032, giving the Red Sox long-term stability at a premium position. Though he holds a player option after the 2031 season, his age at that point makes it unlikely he would test free agency, further increasing his appeal as a durable, cost-controlled solution.