As Cubs Struggle, Alex Bregman Viewed As $175M Albatross

White Sox's Alex Bregman (Image: MLB)

Alex Bregman was expected to be a key addition for the Chicago Cubs when he signed a five-year, $175 million contract during the MLB offseason. But nearly two months into the 2026 season, fans and people around the Cubs organization fear he’s one of the main reasons for the team’s recent collapse.

After beginning the year with playoff expectations and one of the best records in baseball, Chicago has fallen into a slump. It happens to most MLB teams, but the Cubs have gone 5-16 over the last 21 games and have dropped to fourth place in the National League Central. While injuries have been a factor, the pitching has also struggled, but much of the attention is on Bregman’s struggles at the plate.

The numbers tell the story: Through 65 games, Bregman has just five home runs and 19 RBIs, making this one of the worst seasons of his major league career. Perhaps most concerning is his inability to deliver in key situations—he leads the majors in runners left on base. Frustration has become evident at Wrigley Field, and many Chicago fans have begun booing the former All-Star. Bregman has not shied away from the criticism.

He’s admitted he’s been terrible and needs to play better, but despite his offensive struggles, Bregman continues to provide value defensively. He ranks among the National League’s better defensive third basemen and is respected in the clubhouse for his leadership and experience.

Still, the Cubs did not invest $175 million solely in defense. They signed Bregman to replace much of the offensive production they lost, hoping to bring Chicago back into postseason contention. Cubs fans expected more and are looking for Bregman to return to the form he showed as the Houston Astros’ star third baseman.