Cubs risk making massive Nico Hoerner mistake involving Alex Bregman, Matt Shaw originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The Chicago Cubs took the big swing they felt was necessary and signed Alex Bregman in free agency.

What a week it's been for Cubs fans. After months of waiting for the team to make some major moves in free agency, Jed Hoyer made a splash in a big way, first

The Alex Bregman signing creates a surplus on the infield for Chicago. Will they make use of it in trade? Vote now in MLBTR's latest poll!

Cubs must trade Nico Hoerner to Yankees for Anthony Volpe and prospect after Alex Bregman signing creates payroll crunch and roster logjam.

The Cubs have a projected cash payroll of just over $176 million for the 2026 season prior to signing Bregman, per Spotrac. That was projected to rank 11th among all MLB clubs next season, according to Spotrac. The Cubs were also projected to have $35.2 million in projected tax space next season prior to Bregman's signing, per Spotrac.

The Cubs enjoyed an All-Star breakout from long-touted prospect outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. Alongside trade addition Kyle Tucker in the outfield last year, Crow-Armstrong slashed .247/.287/.481 and earned a Gold Glove Award.

Following the departure of Alex Bregman, a trade for Isaac Paredes could be the Red Sox's pivot to help save what has been a very disappointing offseason in Boston.