The Chicago Cubs' failed pursuit of Alex Bregman defined the end of their offseason, and while it seemed to have been an egregious mistake as the first half of the season was playing out, Matt Shaw's emergence since the All-Star break has taken the sting out of the fact that Bregman landed with the Boston Red Sox. It was an aggressive measure by the Red Sox to ensure they landed Bregman, but it may be one that they now regret.
Jeff Passan had an early look at this winter's free agents, and no surprise, he believes Bregman is going to opt out of the three-year deal he signed with the Red Sox.