Cubs Rumors: Josh Hader buzz, Bregman trade, Ace trade bidding war

Cubs Rumors: Chicago named fit for an Alex Bregman trade

We know about the likes of Glasnow, Bieber, Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes and several others who are likely (or at least possible) to be traded this offseason. However, there seems to be some growing buzz that another huge name could be dealt, this time with the Houston Astros making the move.

Former MLB general manager Jim Duquette said on MLB Network Radio that he believes the Astros are "listening" to trade proposals for third baseman Alex Bregman and to "keep an eye" on the All-Star-caliber third baseman.

There already had been speculation about the possibility of a Bregman trade as he enters the final year of his current contract with Houston. Some reports indicate that the Astros may only be able to re-sign one of Bregman and Jose Altuve with the more likely option being the latter. Thus, trading Bregman and recouping some value would make sense.

And that's a market that the Cubs could be involved in.

Zachary Rotman named the Cubs one of the five best landing spots for Bregman for FanSided and made a strong case as to why the third baseman could be a great fit in Chicago.

"The Cubs have their middle infield set with Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson, but third base is a massive question mark right now. Do they roll with Nick Madrigal who is a decent player but had just a .663 OPS last season? Do they give the spot to Patrick Wisdom who has tons of power but strikes out an enormous amount and hit just five points above the Mendoza line last season?

"If the Cubs want to compete, the right answer should be neither of them. The Cubs have a very deep farm system and can afford to part with prospects in a deal that brings them a star back. They also have money at their disposal to discuss a potential extension with him."

After trading for Jeimer Candelario as an end-of-season rental at the deadline, the Cubs don't have a clear-cut answer at third base moving forward while the heart of the infield looks to be in a quality spot. While they've been connected to Matt Chapman in free agency, a Bregman trade would land Chicago a higher-end player, particularly offensively, with a more storied track record.

And with it being a rental for just 2024 without an extension in place, that might make the price right enough for the Cubs to pull the trigger on such a deal to fill a hole. As Rotman noted too, it would also give Chicago the upperhand in signing Bregman to an extension and making him a long-term answer.