Baseball’s spring training is right around the corner, but teams aren’t done shopping for talent just yet.
Pitchers and catchers are heading to Florida and Arizona to kick off exhibition season. Meanwhile, front offices are still working the phones, trying to make those final roster moves that could make or break their season.
The Chicago Cubs are definitely still in the market for more talent.
“No, we’re not done,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell told reporters Tuesday. He made it clear they’re looking at “big or small” moves to improve the team.
The biggest name they’re chasing? Alex Bregman.
The star third baseman would be a perfect fit in Chicago, where he’d join his former Houston teammates Kyle Tucker and Ryan Pressly. But they’ve got competition – the Tigers and Red Sox are also making serious pushes to sign him.
Bregman’s been holding out for a longer contract, even though some teams are worried about how his power numbers might drop outside Houston’s hitter-friendly ballpark. He was CBS Sports’ #3 ranked free agent this winter, and it looks like his patience might pay off.
The Cubs cleared the way for a potential Bregman signing earlier this winter when they traded their third baseman Isaac Paredes to Houston in the Tucker deal.
Meanwhile, over in Boston, they’re still shopping too.
Red Sox executive Craig Breslow made it simple: “Right now, we’re still pursuing a right-handed bat.”
They’re not just looking at Bregman – the Red Sox have their eyes on Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado too. He’s got three years and $74 million left on his deal, plus a no-trade clause he’d need to waive.
Arenado’s coming off a rough year – his worst full season since he was a rookie back in 2013. But he’s still drawing lots of interest.
Cardinals boss John Mozeliak revealed Wednesday that five teams are in talks for Arenado. We know three of them: the Red Sox, Yankees, and Padres. The other two? That’s still a mystery.
Spring training might be starting, but the hot stove isn’t cooling down just yet.
