A tandem of Nicky Lopez, Vidal Brujan and Jon Berti isn’t going to turn many heads. But that’s the group holding down the hot corner for the Chicago Cubs as the team continues its impressive start.
Given the general lack of production, not to mention the multiple defensive miscues, at the position this year, fans are clamoring for Jed Hoyer and Carter Hawkins to pull an All-Star-caliber third baseman out of his magic hat and plug him in. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no such savior is en route – at least, not anytime soon.
The Cubs had their chance to address the position in a meaningful way when they had a chance sign Alex Bregman late in the offseason. But that’s not what happened. Hoyer went to Tom Ricketts, hat in hand, asking for money – and even after that, Chicago’s offer checked in below others both in terms of years, AAV and total value. That’s not going to get it done – period.
Bregman balling out in Boston isn’t making anyone in Chicago feel better about the situation. In terms of bWAR, he’s been, more or less, as valuable as Pete Crow-Armstrong, posting a 181 OPS+ and helping the Red Sox keep pace in the AL East.
Cubs are all-in on top prospect Matt Shaw rising to the challenge in 2025
The point I want to make is this: there is no other Alex Bregman chilling on the open market. The Cubs are laying in the bed they made for themselves – and, at least for the next month or two, their best bet is top prospect Matt Shaw, who got a quick hook and was demoted to Triple-A Iowa after 18 ineffective games in which he batted just .172/.294/.241.
There isn’t a backup plan in place. And legitimate third base options could be few and far between come the trade deadline. The Cardinals are likely to continue shopping Nolan Arenado, but there’s next to no chance St. Louis would trade him to the Cubs (or that the Cubs would come off top-tier talent to force the Cardinals’ hand).
Maybe the Blue Jays trade Bo Bichette? But after extending Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the last thing Toronto wants to be doing this summer is tearing things down to the studs. The market could change and an unexpected name could arise – but right now, it seems pretty clear that Chicago’s best hope is Shaw, plain and simple.