As the 2026 MLB season approaches, the Chicago Cubs remain focused on adding an impact bat and a starting pitcher, despite modest spending so far. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has emphasized deliberate moves, but fans await a significant splash before the Cubs Convention. Rumors link the team to free agents like Alex Bregman and Zac Gallen amid budget constraints.
The Chicago Cubs entered the 2026 offseason with clear priorities: bolstering their lineup with a powerful hitter and strengthening their rotation. During last month's Winter Meetings, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer highlighted the team's "real focus" and "energy" across multiple fronts. "I think it’ll lead to activity – I can’t tell you when," Hoyer said. "We could have an active December. We could have an active January. I don’t know. We’re not going to do bad deals just to do something quick."
To date, the Cubs have committed nearly $30 million to bullpen and bench additions, plus $22.025 million to retain left-hander Shota Imanaga via the qualifying offer. They also re-signed swingman Colin Rea and brought back first baseman Tyler Austin from Japan for $1.25 million, along with reliever Phil Maton. However, high-profile targets have eluded them. Right-hander Dylan Cease signed a seven-year deal with Toronto reportedly worth $200 million, Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai joined the Houston Astros on a three-year, $63 million guarantee, and Michael King inked a three-year pact with San Diego.
For an impact bat, reports connect the Cubs to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman, whom they previously offered a four-year, $115 million deal with opt-outs before his spring signing with Boston. Chicago is also monitoring infielder Bo Bichette and outfielder Cody Bellinger, though roster fits pose challenges—such as third base with rookie Matt Shaw and second baseman Nico Hoerner, who could hit free agency after 2026. Bregman's skills and clubhouse presence make him a logical addition.
On the pitching side, remaining free agents include Ranger Suárez, Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, Chris Bassitt, and Lucas Giolito. The current rotation features Matthew Boyd, Cade Horton, Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon, with depth from Javier Assad, Ben Brown, Rea, and Jordan Wicks. Justin Steele is expected to return from a left elbow injury in the first half, and prospect Jaxon Wiggins is on the radar. With under $40 million available before the $244 million Competitive Balance Tax threshold and arbitration for Assad and Steele pending, the Cubs may prioritize one need or explore trades, such as Miami's Edward Cabrera.
Industry insiders, including Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, suggest tempering expectations based on the Cubs' recent history of mid-tier spending. "Based on their recent history, it’s probably best to bet the under," they wrote, noting the team is unlikely to land both a top starter like Gallen and Bregman to replace departed production from Kyle Tucker.
