When the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract this offseason, they expected elite-level production. They have not received that from the veteran so far.
In 65 games this season, the now 32-year-old has put up a .243 batting average, .327 on-base percentage and a .669 OPS. He has only five home runs and 19 RBIs to his name.
Bregman’s lowest career season OPS came in 2024 in his last year with the Houston Astros at .768. Paying him over $30 million a season, Chicago needs to see more from him.
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The Cubs have had their moments in 2026, but currently sit at 34-32, fourth place in the National League Central. They are seven and a half games behind the first-place Milwaukee Brewers. They do not hold a Wild Card spot either.
Not all of that is Bregman’s fault, but patience is wearing thin in Chicago. Fans have taken to booing the veteran at Wrigley Field. What really has the fans and media frustrated with the third baseman is his poor hitting with RISP.
Through 84 plate appearances in such situations this season, the three-time All-Star does not have a home run and is hitting .173.
After Sunday’s 2-1 loss to the lowly San Francisco Giants, Bregman accepted blame for his poor performance. “I haven’t executed all year. Runners in scoring position, I’ve been god awful.” The quote was reported by Jesse Rogers of ESPN.
While it’s easy to say that Bregman has been struggling due to playing in a tougher hitters’ park than he’s used to, one trend to pay attention to is his strikeout numbers. The 32-year-old is striking out at a 17.2% rate, the highest over a full season in his career. His swinging strike rate of 7% is his highest, as well as his called strike rate of 22.3% (h/t FanGraphs).
These are still respectable marks, but a hitter like Bregman relies on contact to make his living. It could suggest he’s trying to do too much when he’s at the plate, as opposed to his approach in years past.
If the Cubs are to start playing like the preseason contender everyone thought they’d be, it starts with Bregman turning it around.
