<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-ian-happ-explains-why-alex-bregman-perfect-fit-chicagos-lineup');   ga('set', 'title', 'Ian Happ explains why Alex Bregman is perfect fit for Cubs’ lineup');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alex-Bregman.jpg"><figcaption>Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Ian Happ explains why Alex Bregman is perfect fit for Cubs’ lineup</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-11T15:28:58-08:00">December 11th, 3:28pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-11T15:28:58-08:00">December 11th, 3:28pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Chicago Cubs have been rumored to be interested in <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-chase-alex-bregman-again-kyle-tucker-out-door">potentially signing third baseman Alex Bregman</a> since the offseason began. Although nothing has come to fruition just yet, it appears outfielder Ian Happ loves the idea of Bregman joining the team.</p><p>During a guest appearance on “The Compound,” on the Marquee Sports Network, Happ explained how Bregman would be a perfect fit in the lineup. The 31-year-old switch-hitter claims that Bregman’s ability as a right-handed hitter <a href="https://x.com/WatchMarquee/status/1999237760386015490" rel="noopener">would complement the team</a> as a whole. Especially considering how many left-handed hitters are already on the roster.</p><p>“One thing that’s interesting about Bregman and the Cubs is just the way that our lineup is constructed, and the fact that our young guys are predominantly left-handed… bringing in a right-handed bat helps you a little bit with lineup construction,” said Ian Happ. “Where you can space out your lefties in between guys who can really hit lefties well and make the other man think twice about it, those things are the advantages to adding kind of a right-handed thumper in the middle of that lineup.”</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ihapp_1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ihapp_1</a> thinks that Alex Bregman’s bat would fit very well in the Cubs’ lineup 👀 <a href="https://t.co/xSDe0SELDA">pic.twitter.com/xSDe0SELDA</a></p><p>— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatchMarquee/status/1999237760386015490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 11, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-rumors-boston-predicted-alex-bregman-ketel-marte-trade">Alex Bregman hit free agency</a> after playing just one season with the Boston Red Sox. The three-time All-Star ended the 2025 campaign with a .273 batting average and .360 OBP while recording 118 hits, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs. It’s said that the 31-year-old third baseman is seeking a long-term contract (five years or more) with a team aiming to make a run for the playoffs.</p><p>So far, Bregman has not received a deal he likes, as he could have signed by now. We’ll have to wait and see what his final decision will be, but the Cubs seem to be in the mix of potentially signing him.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Ian Happ explains why Alex Bregman is perfect fit for Cubs’ lineup

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-chicago-boosts-bullpen-landing-ex-brewers-reliever-hoby-milner');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs boost bullpen by landing ex-Brewers reliever');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MLB-pitcher-Hoby-Milner.jpg"><figcaption>Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cubs boost bullpen by landing ex-Brewers reliever</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-11T11:18:13-08:00">December 11th, 11:18am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-11T11:31:00-08:00">December 11th, 11:31am</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>After being bounced out of the playoffs by the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-jeff-passan-shuts-down-zac-gallen-contract-agreement-report">Chicago Cubs are making moves</a> with the hopes of improving the roster for a deeper run in the postseason next year. On Thursday, the organization may have made an underrated move after signing a reliever in free agency.</p><p>Reports indicate that Chicago is signing Hoby Milner <a href="https://x.com/Britt_Ghiroli/status/1999185721043583361" rel="noopener">to a one-year contract</a>, according to Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic. The soon-to-be 35-year-old reliever will join the Cubs’ bullpen next season.</p><p>“News: The Cubs are in agreement on a one-year deal with pitcher Hoby Milner, according to a source.”</p><p>The 2026 campaign will be Milner’s 10th year in MLB. He began his career in 2017 with the Philadelphia Phillies before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018. He also played for the Los Angeles Angels before taking on a role with the Brewers, where he played for Milwaukee for four seasons.</p><p>Hoby Milner played for the Texas Rangers in the 2025 season, where he threw a career-high 70.1 innings pitched. Milner joins the Cubs with a career 3.82 ERA, 1.265 WHIP, and 321 strikeouts. He only has one career save, so he’ll more than likely play as a long or middle reliever in Chicago.</p><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-nico-hoerner-trade-talks">Cubs have been heavily involved in the rumor mill</a> early on in the offseason. Not only is Chicago potentially linked to starting pitcher Zac Gallen, but some rumors suggest the front office could trade second baseman Nico Hoerner. Although that seems unlikely.</p><p>Kyle Tucker walked in free agency this offseason. Of course, Chicago still has a chance to bring him back, but considering he’s one of the best outfielders available in the market, the Cubs will have plenty of competition in potentially signing him.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs boost bullpen by landing ex-Brewers reliever

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-nico-hoerner-trade-talks');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs rumors: Nico Hoerner’s name pops up in trade talks, but there’s a catch');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Chicago-Cubs-second-baseman-Nico-Hoerner.jpg"><figcaption>Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cubs rumors: Nico Hoerner’s name pops up in trade talks, but there’s a catch</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-11T09:03:06-08:00">December 11th, 9:03am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-11T09:03:06-08:00">December 11th, 9:03am</time><address><a>Zachary Draves</a>Zachary Draves is a sportswriter and broadcaster based in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Zachary covers a variety of different sports as well as sports history, sport and society, and sport and culture. He is also a professor of sociology.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>2025 marked a turnaround year for the Chicago Cubs. Ultimately, the Cubs <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-chicago-secures-1st-postseason-win-2017-victory-padres">made it to the playoffs</a> for the first time since 2020. Plus, they were able to keep their Gold Glove-winning infielder, Nico Hoerner, after <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-could-trade-nico-hoerner-for-pitcher">rumors surfaced about trading him</a> at the end of last season.</p><p>One year later, those rumors <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6880509/2025/12/10/what-were-hearing-cubs-winter-meetings/?source=emp_shared_article" rel="noopener">are back again</a> as Cubs’ executives have brought up his name in conversations about a possible trade, per Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. However, there is no real plan to deal with Hoerner.</p><p>This year, he finished batting .297 with 178 hits, seven home runs, and 61 RBIs. He also had a 6.2 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) rate. Also, Hoerner was dominant at the plate during the postseason, batting .419.</p><p>Last season, Hoerner batted .273 with seven home runs, 48 RBIs, and 35 doubles. Plus, he led the club with 31 stolen bases.</p><p>According to Mooney and Sharma, the Cubs’ structure fits Hoerner’s playing style (defense, athleticism, chemistry). Meanwhile, Chicago is looking to bolster its pitching staff during this offseason. They managed to keep Shota Imanaga, but are gunning for another top-caliber starter.</p><p>Overall, the front office is being very malicious in assessing the value of every player.</p><p>After next season, Hoerner can declare himself a free agent. In 2023, he<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-nico-hoerner-agree-contract-opening-day"> signed a three-year $35 million contract extension</a>.</p><h2><b>Nico Hoerner has been a tremendous asset for the Cubs</b></h2><p>Since becoming a Cub in 2019, Hoerner has done wonders for the North Side, particularly when it comes to defense. In 2023 and 2025, he won a National League Gold Glove Award.</p><p>Plus, he has won three of the organization’s Heart and Hustle Awards (2023, 2024, 2025) for his leadership skills. This past year, Hoerner led all second basemen in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) with 17.</p><p>Along the way, he has become a fan favorite for his ability to play through injuries, make great plays, and bring energy.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs rumors: Nico Hoerner’s name pops up in trade talks, but there’s a catch

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-interested-marlins-trade-not-sandy-alcantara');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Cubs interested in Marlins trade, but it’s not for Sandy Alcantara');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Craig-Counsell.jpg"><figcaption>Benny Sieu-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Cubs interested in Marlins trade, but it’s not for Sandy Alcantara</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-11T08:53:59-08:00">December 11th, 8:53am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-11T10:32:46-08:00">December 11th, 10:32am</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Amongst the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-must-make-this-trade-offer-for-nationals-mackenzie-gore">Chicago Cubs’ top offseason priorities remains finding another top flight pitcher</a> for their rotation. As the Cubs look for options, they have turned to the Miami Marlins.</p><p>Former Cy Young winner <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-rumors-sandy-alcantara-8-47-era-shouldnt-stop-cubs-trade">Sandy Alcantara would seem to be the logical target</a> if Chicago were to trade for a Miami pitcher. But the Cubs have other ideas. Instead, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6880509/2025/12/10/what-were-hearing-cubs-winter-meetings/?source=emp_shared_article" rel="noopener">they’re interested in acquiring</a> Edward Cabrera to fill their rotation needs, via Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic.</p><p>“With a belief that Edward Cabrera is just scratching the surface of his potential, the Cubs are among a handful of teams that have shown interest in the Miami Marlins’ pitcher,” Mooney and Sahadev wrote.</p><p>It wouldn’t be the first time both franchises talked trade. The Cubs nearly acquired Jesus Luzardo from the Marlins before he was dealt to the Philadelphia Phillies.</p><p>“The Cubs nearly reached a deal with the Marlins for left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo last offseason, and then spiked the trade during the medical review, canceling what would have been an aggressive move for the rotation,” The Athletic insiders wrote.</p><p>This time around, the Cubs’ focus has locked in on Cabrera. The right-hander pitched a career-high 137.2 innings in 2025. In that time, Cabrera put up a 3.53 ERA and a 150/48 K/BB ratio. Under team control for three more seasons, Cabrera would be a fixture in Chicago’s rotation for the foreseeable future.</p><p>The Cubs aren’t alone in their pursuit of Cabrera. But it’s at least now known that Chicago is willing to take the trade route if it means a better pitching rotation in 2026.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

MLB rumors: Cubs interested in Marlins trade, but it’s not for Sandy Alcantara

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-craig-counsell-pivotal-justin-steele-injury-return-timeline');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs’ Craig Counsell drops pivotal Justin Steele injury return timeline');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Justin-Steele.jpg"><figcaption>Matt Marton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cubs’ Craig Counsell drops pivotal Justin Steele injury return timeline</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-09T19:48:52-08:00">December 9th, 7:48pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-09T19:48:52-08:00">December 9th, 7:48pm</time><address><a>Dan Fappiano</a>Dan Fappiano is a Connecticut-based sports journalist with over five years of professional experience. After graduating from Central Connecticut State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism, he has covered every sport from fencing to football in the online and print medium. Dan hopes to see his beloved Bears win a Super Bowl someday.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-zac-gallen-remains-free-agency-option-chicago-despite-initial-botched-report">Chicago Cubs are sure to make plenty of changes to their rotation</a> throughout the offseason. Any move made will have Justin Steele’s injury return timeline in consideration.</p><p>The Cubs would like to pencil Steele into their Opening Day rotation. But Craig Counsell doesn’t think that’ll become reality. Still, he is expecting the left-hander to be back in the mix <a href="https://x.com/MLBBruceLevine/status/1998508372367118810?s=20" rel="noopener">sooner rather than later</a>, via Bruce Levine of 670 The Score.</p><p>“It’s not going to be Opening Day, but we think it’s likely in the first half of the season.”</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-justin-steele-devastating-season-ending-injury-update">Steele is working his way back from elbow surgery in Apri</a>l. While it wasn’t a full Tommy John surgery, the Cubs will still be cautious. While the first half of the season is a bit ambiguous, Counsell is expecting Steele to play a major role in Chicago’s rotation over the course of the season; if healthy of course.</p><p>Since making his jump to the big leagues in 2021, Steele has put up a 3.30 ERA and a 517/155 K/BB ratio over 102 games. He earned his first All-Star nomination in 2023, before throwing to a 3.07 ERA and 135/37 K/BB ratio over his last full season in 2024.</p><p>With <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-shota-imanaga-signs-qualifying-offer-chicago-despite-declined-options">Shota Imanaga accepting his qualifying option</a>, he’ll return to a rotation that features names such as Matthew Boyd and Cade Horton. The Cubs as a whole ranked ninth in team ERA with a 3.79 mark in 2025. Adding Steele back into the rotation gives Chicago a bit more stability as they try to stay towards the top of the league.</p><p>When that return will happen is still a bit up in the air. But Counsell is hopeful to see Steele before the All-Star break.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs’ Craig Counsell drops pivotal Justin Steele injury return timeline

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-free-agent-closer-market-winter-meetings');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs rumors: Chicago dipping toe in free-agent closer market at Winter Meetings');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Chicago-dipping-toe-in-free-agent-closer-market-at-Winter-Meetings.jpg"><figcaption>David Frerker-Imagn Images.</figcaption></figure><h1>Cubs rumors: Chicago dipping toe in free-agent closer market at Winter Meetings</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-08T17:57:49-08:00">December 8th, 5:57pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-08T17:57:49-08:00">December 8th, 5:57pm</time><address><a>Josh Davis</a>Josh Davis is an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints with a focus on MLB. As the founder and creator of OutOfSightSports, Josh spearheads the development and expansion of an engaging social media platform, with a core focus on Twitter/X. A passionate sports writer, Josh is dedicated to delivering compelling content that connects fans and fuels vibrant sports conversations. His vision is to craft stories so vivid that fans feel like they’re standing at the plate or on the field.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Chicago Cubs entered the Winter Meetings with clear interest in the closer market, signaling a possible shift toward a more aggressive approach to MLB free agency this offseason. With the bullpen needing stability for 2026, the club has kept its attention on several late-inning arms, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-diego-padres/padres-news-robert-suarez-does-something-not-seen-since-2022-in-game-3-vs-cubs">including Robert Suarez</a>, who stands out as one of the most proven options available.</p><p>Chicago’s search comes at an important moment for a club that showed flashes in 2025 but lacked a consistent ninth-inning anchor. Moving Porter Hodge into a flexible setup role could strengthen high-leverage innings, while protecting arms returning from injury. The Cubs believe a veteran presence would help push them deeper into October, making the closer market a priority as discussions continue at the Winter Meetings.</p><p>The BBWAA’s Francys Romero took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) with an <a href="https://x.com/francysromeroFR/status/1998123554521370651" rel="noopener">update that underscored</a> how active the front office has been while surveying the upper tier of available relievers. The report added fuel to the growing belief that the Cubs may act sooner rather than later.</p><p>“Hearing from the Winter Meetings that the Cubs are still exploring the closer market, with Robert Suárez as one of the ideal candidates.”</p><p>Romero’s note reflects how strong the veteran closer has positioned himself after opting out of his deal with the San Diego Padres. The right-hander led the National League in saves last season and pairs a high-velocity fastball with a sharp changeup that frustrates hitters in big spots. His experience and poise in pressure moments make him one of the most intriguing names connected to the Cubs during MLB free agency.</p><p>A move for the 34-year old closer would show a more aggressive approach than usual from Chicago’s front office, which often avoids top-priced relievers. With a playoff window open and a need for reliability late in games, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-not-be-ruled-out-tatsuya-imai-race">the Cubs appear ready to explore</a> every option that can help solidify their path back to October.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs rumors: Chicago dipping toe in free-agent closer market at Winter Meetings

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-must-make-this-trade-offer-for-nationals-mackenzie-gore');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs must make this trade offer for Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cubs-must-make-this-trade-offer-for-Nationals-MacKenzie-Gore.jpg"></figure><h1>Cubs must make this trade offer for Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-08T09:29:34-08:00">December 8th, 9:29am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-08T09:29:34-08:00">December 8th, 9:29am</time><address><a>Garrett Kerman</a>Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He covers all combat sports, from MMA, to boxing, to even bare-knuckle. He is also very well-versed in all American sports when it comes to news and betting analysis. Whether you want betting advice or some breaking news, Garrett is your guy.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The Chicago Cubs’ pitching situation demands immediate action, and MacKenzie Gore represents the mid-rotation ace that could transform their rotation into a legitimate World Series threat. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/washington-nationals/mlb-rumors-nationals-mackenzie-gore-emerging-as-serious-trade-candidate">The Washington Nationals are actively shopping Gore</a> as part of their organizational rebuild under new management, and the Cubs must act decisively to bring the 26-year-old left-hander to Wrigleyville before the Winter Meetings conclude. This is their window, and the cost has never been more attainable.</p><p>Gore’s 2025 season proves his value despite the inconsistent record. The first-time All-Star struck out 185 batters over 159⅔ innings, maintaining solid stuff throughout the season with two years of affordable arbitration control remaining. The Nationals’ asking price has moderated from their July demands, creating an opening for a team willing to meet them halfway with a balanced package that addresses Washington’s positional needs.</p><h2>The Case for MacKenzie Gore in Chicago</h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MacKenzie-Gore-of-the-Washington-Nationals.jpg?w=1024"><figcaption>Thomas Shea-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The Cubs’ 2025 season validated that their offensive core is championship-caliber, but their starting rotation remains the achilles heel. With Kyle Tucker heading to free agency, the organization cannot rely solely on free-agent pitchers to solidify their rotation. Gore gives them a controllable, proven alternative with strikeout stuff that would slot perfectly behind Shota Imanaga in the rotation.</p><p>Gore’s 4.17 ERA masks his effectiveness. His 185 strikeouts ranked among league leaders, and the velocity on his fastball remains elite. The Nationals are serious about moving him, with Buster Olney reporting that multiple teams expect a trade to materialize within days. The Cubs cannot afford to let another franchise land this controllable talent.</p><h2>The Perfect Trade Package</h2><p>The Cubs’ organizational depth makes them uniquely positioned to construct an offer that works for both sides. Here’s what Chicago should propose:</p><p>Nationals receive:</p><ul><li>OF Owen Caissie</li><li>RHP Brandon Birdsell</li><li>2B James Triantos</li><li>OF Kevin Alcantara</li></ul><p>Cubs Receive:</p><ul><li>LHP MacKenzie Gore</li></ul><p>This package avoids including Matt Shaw or Cade Horton—prospects the Nationals specifically targeted in July—allowing both organizations to move forward without retreading previous negotiations. The deal gives Washington genuine major-league talent alongside premium upside prospects while Chicago retains its most coveted internal assets.</p><h2>Why Both Sides Benefit</h2><p>The Nationals get legitimate position player help in a rebuilding scenario while maintaining their ability to develop starting pitching internally. Caissie and Alcántara bring immediate athletic tools with power potential, while Triantos offers proven bat-to-ball skills that could contribute at the major league level within months. Birdsell provides quality depth to complement their developing arms.</p><p>For the Cubs, this trade elevates their starting rotation into legitimate contention territory. Gore’s two years of control means Chicago secures cost-effective ace-quality innings when it matters most. Their pitching depth—Imanaga, Cade Horton, Justin Steele, and Matthew Boyd—already forms a solid foundation, and Gore transforms it into something capable of winning October games.</p><p>The Cubs have explored multiple free-agent options, but Gore offers something those conversations cannot match: controllability, proven strikeout stuff, and a multi-year window. This is the trade they should make before December closes the window on 2026 aspirations.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs must make this trade offer for Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-rumors-alex-bregman-signing-matt-shaw');   ga('set', 'title', 'Cubs rumors: What would happen to Matt Shaw if Alex Bregman signs in free agency?');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Cubs-3B-Matt-Shaw-vs-Brewers-in-NLDS.jpg"><figcaption>Matt Marton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Cubs rumors: What would happen to Matt Shaw if Alex Bregman signs in free agency?</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-07T09:40:19-08:00">December 7th, 9:40am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-07T09:40:19-08:00">December 7th, 9:40am</time><address><a>Yasmin Edañol</a>Yasmin D.G. Edañol is a PhD candidate in Chemistry at the University of the Philippines Diliman, with a background in scientific research and publishing. He brings a data-driven perspective to sports storytelling as an Associate Editor at ClutchPoints, with a focus on the NBA. Whether it's breaking down a clutch play or a stat line, he believes every great moment has a deeper layer waiting to be uncovered.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-chase-alex-bregman-again-kyle-tucker-out-door">Chicago Cubs enter the Winter Meetings balancing two storylines</a>: <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-matt-shaw-silver-lining">Matt Shaw’s breakout at third base</a> and Alex Bregman’s return to MLB Free Agency. The Cubs likes its young core and fans love Shaw’s rise. But Bregman, a three-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, is <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-news-alex-bregman-opts-out-contract-free-agency">back on the market after opting out of the Red Sox</a> and posting a .273/.360/.462 line with 18 homers in 114 games. His name brings weight. His presence shifts conversations. And it forces the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/mlb-stories/mlb-rumors-tigers-cubs-rejoin-alex-bregman-sweepstakes-after-losing-out-red-sox-last-offseason">Cubs to consider how far they’ll go to add one more proven bat</a>.</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-matt-shaw-walk-off-rockies">Matt Shaw gave the team real clarity last season</a>. He defended well and hit with poise. He handled third base like he belonged under the stadium lights. That’s why the thought of moving him, even for someone as accomplished as Bregman, feels complicated. The Cubs already have Nico Hoerner locked in at second. He’s a leader. He’s an anchor. So the idea of <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2025/12/07/mlb-winter-meetings-trade-rumors-free-agents/87655377007/" rel="noopener">shifting</a> Shaw there creates more questions than answers.</p><h2>If Bregman signs with the Cubs, where does Shaw fit?</h2><p>If the Cubs make a splash during the Winter Meetings, Shaw is the player most affected. The front office could explore a rotation between third, second, and DH. They could test Shaw’s versatility. They could entertain trade interest, though that path seems unlikely for now. Or they could decide that competition pushes everyone forward and insist that talent finds its place.</p><p>Alex Bregman would upgrade the lineup overnight. His experience lifts a clubhouse. His postseason profile gives Chicago a dimension it still seeks. But the Cubs also proved they could win without him, and Shaw proved he can hold down an everyday job. Those truths collide now, shaping every MLB Free Agency rumor around the team’s next move.</p><p>If Alex Bregman walks into Wrigley, how far will the Cubs go to keep Matt Shaw’s future just as bright?</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Cubs rumors: What would happen to Matt Shaw if Alex Bregman signs in free agency?

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-zac-gallen-remains-free-agency-option-chicago-despite-initial-botched-report');   ga('set', 'title', 'Zac Gallen remains free agency option for Cubs despite initial botched report');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Zac-Gallen-2.jpg"><figcaption>Robert Edwards-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Zac Gallen remains free agency option for Cubs despite initial botched report</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-06T11:36:54-08:00">December 6th, 11:36am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-06T11:45:31-08:00">December 6th, 11:45am</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It’s no secret that the Chicago Cubs are searching to improve the pitching rotation through free agency. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-jeff-passan-shuts-down-zac-gallen-contract-agreement-report">Zac Gallen seems to be a target</a> for the organization, even if there was a botched report on Saturday morning.</p><p>It was initially reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale that Gallen and the Cubs were closing in on a multi-year deal that would pay the 30-year-old starting pitcher $22 million annually. However, that report was almost immediately shut down by Jeff Passan of ESPN, as it turns out that the two sides <a href="https://x.com/YankeeWRLD/status/1997353580022354022" rel="noopener">are nowhere close to agreeing</a> on a contract. Since the botched report, Nightengale updated his original post on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">It wouldn’t be a real offseason without Bob Nightengale completely butchering a report <a href="https://t.co/md3e8s7KdJ">pic.twitter.com/md3e8s7KdJ</a></p><p>— AT (@YankeeWRLD) <a href="https://twitter.com/YankeeWRLD/status/1997353580022354022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></figure><p>Despite the messy reporting, it does appear that the Cubs <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6868108/2025/12/06/cubs-zac-gallen-free-agency/" rel="noopener">are still targeting</a> Zac Gallen, per Patrick Mooney of The Athletic. No deal is in place, but the 2023 All-Star appears to garner the interest of Chicago.</p><p>“In their wide-ranging search for pitching, the Chicago Cubs are targeting Zac Gallen as an option, according to team and league sources briefed on the negotiations.”</p><p>The seven-year pro is coming off a 2025 campaign where he finished with a 4.83 ERA (career worst) and 1.260 WHIP while recording 175 strikeouts through 192.0 innings pitched. Although his ERA is the highest it’s ever been, there is reason to believe Gallen can bounce back next season. Especially considering he went three consecutive years pitching a sub-4.00 ERA before 2025.</p><p>We’ll see how the situation plays out for the Cubs. <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/san-francisco-giants/giants-rumors-reporter-san-francisco-zac-gallen-free-agency">Zac Gallen is the type of player</a> to garner plenty of interest from several teams around the league. But it’s safe to say, at the very least, Chicago has its eyes set on Gallen this offseason.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Zac Gallen remains free agency option for Cubs despite initial botched report

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/cubs-news-jeff-passan-shuts-down-zac-gallen-contract-agreement-report');   ga('set', 'title', 'Jeff Passan shuts down Zac Gallen-Cubs contract agreement report');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Zac-Gallen-1.jpg"><figcaption>Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Jeff Passan shuts down Zac Gallen-Cubs contract agreement report</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-06T09:20:31-08:00">December 6th, 9:20am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-06T09:28:39-08:00">December 6th, 9:28am</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>MLB free agency is underway, and the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-chase-alex-bregman-again-kyle-tucker-out-door">Chicago Cubs have been heavily involved</a> in the rumor mill. With the belief being that the organization is aiming to make a splash at signing a starting pitcher, it initially sounded like the team was on the verge of signing Zac Gallen to a new contract. However, that report was completely shut down by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.</p><p>On Saturday, a report came through claiming that the Cubs were <a href="https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1997350242837016771" rel="noopener">closing in on a deal</a> with Gallen that would give the 30-year-old starting pitcher a multi-year contract paying him $22 million annually, per Bob Nightengale of USA Today.</p><p>“The Chicago Cubs are close to finalizing an agreement with free-agent starter Zac Gallen on a multi-year deal that will pay him an average of $22 million a year. Gallen, with three top-10 Cy Young finishes, has averaged 32 starts a year for the past 4 seasons.”</p><p>That report was short-lived, though, as Passan almost immediately stated that Gallen <a href="https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/1997352787949011324" rel="noopener">does not have a deal lined up</a>. He also said that the 2023 All-Star isn’t close to finalizing a contract.</p><p>“Zac Gallen does not have a deal and is not close to finalizing one.”</p><p>Gallen hit free agency after finishing his seventh year with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s coming off a season where he recorded a career-worst 4.83 ERA. Despite that, the veteran pitcher is still a highly sought-after free agent, as he’s viewed as one of the best available starting pitchers in free agency.</p><p>On top of his 4.83 ERA, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/arizona-diamondbacks/diamondbacks-rumors-arizona-bring-zac-gallen-merrill-kelly-back-free-agency">Zac Gallen also finished</a> the 2025 campaign with a 1.260 WHIP while recording 175 strikeouts through 192.0 innings pitched. If the Cubs are still in the mix for Gallen, he’s certainly someone Chicago would love to have in the starting rotation for next season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Jeff Passan shuts down Zac Gallen-Cubs contract agreement report

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-pitcher-trade-cubs');   ga('set', 'title', 'Astros quietly lands pitcher in trade with Cubs');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/George-Springer-2017.jpg"><figcaption>Troy Taormina-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Astros quietly lands pitcher in trade with Cubs</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-04T17:56:45-08:00">December 4th, 5:56pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-04T17:56:45-08:00">December 4th, 5:56pm</time><address><a>Zachary Draves</a>Zachary Draves is a sportswriter and broadcaster based in the Quad Cities of Illinois and Iowa. Zachary covers a variety of different sports as well as sports history, sport and society, and sport and culture. He is also a professor of sociology.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>During this off-season, the Houston Astros have been <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-houston-signs-diamondbacks-draftee-after-kbo-stint" rel="noopener">emphasizing going after pitchers</a>. On Thursday, that continued when the Astros <a href="https://x.com/Feinsand/status/1996743623598039534" rel="noopener">officially announced</a> they had acquired RHP Nico Zeglin from the Chicago Cubs, virtually in the middle of the night, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. </p><p>Since 2021, Zeglin has journeyed from his way college at Gonzaga to the minor leagues and one stint in the Mexican League. In the span of two years in the minors, he had compiled a record of 7-0 with a 0.95 ERA and 90 strikeouts. </p><p>Additionally, they relinquished the funds from the international bonus pool. The Astros are coming off a season in which they finished 87-75 and <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-biggest-disappointment-after-missing-mlb-playoffs" rel="noopener">didn’t make the playoffs</a>. When it came to pitching, the Astros had a solid core but struggled with depth. As a result, Houston is looking to build up the pitching rotation. </p><p>Meanwhile, Zeglin shows great promise. His high strikeout total is a strong indicator of that. The same holds for his wins and ERA. This year, Zeglin had missed the entire season due to injury. </p><h2><b>How would Nico Zeglin fit into the Astros mix</b>?</h2><p>As was said, the Astros are desperately in need of depth when it comes to pitching. Both Cristian Javier and Spencer Arrighetti are expected to return. This past year, <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/astros-news-spencer-arrighetti-gives-grim-injury-news-after-bullpen-session" rel="noopener">Arrighetti experienced an elbow injury</a>. Meanwhile, Framber Valdez <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/houston-astros/mlb-rumors-astros-sp-trade-expected-loss-framber-valdez" rel="noopener">decided to declare for free agency</a>. </p><p>Also, young pitchers Lance McCullers Jr., J.P. France, Colton Gordon, and Jason Alexander aren’t expected to show a tremendous amount of consistency at this point. All have had to endure periods of inconsistency and injuries. </p><p>Recently, the Astros signed Tsung-Chieh Weiss from Korea. As a result, Zeglin will be able to find a place amongst a rotation that has potential, but needs growth. Therefore, it would ideally be a good fit for him given his recent track record. </p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Astros quietly lands pitcher in trade with Cubs

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/mlb/chicago-cubs/mlb-rumors-cubs-chase-alex-bregman-again-kyle-tucker-out-door');   ga('set', 'title', 'MLB rumors: Cubs to chase Alex Bregman again with Kyle Tucker out the door');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Alex-Bregman-of-the-Boston-Red-Sox-2.jpg"><figcaption>John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>MLB rumors: Cubs to chase Alex Bregman again with Kyle Tucker out the door</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-12-04T14:16:59-08:00">December 4th, 2:16pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-12-04T14:27:15-08:00">December 4th, 2:27pm</time><address><a>Benedetto Vitale</a>Benedetto Vitale is an avid sports writer who is an expert at covering the NFL, college football, NBA, and UFC. He graduated from the University of Oregon in 2016 with a film degree but has since dedicated his career to sports writing.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Chicago Cubs</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/boston-red-sox/red-sox-rumors-should-boston-pursue-alex-bregman-pete-alonso-free-agency">Chicago Cubs are on the hunt</a> this offseason to improve the roster moving forward. With outfielder Kyle Tucker already out of the door, rumors are speculating that the front office could be targeting third baseman Alex Bregman.</p><p>Chicago tried signing Bregman last offseason but failed to do so. However, the Cubs <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6862841/2025/12/04/cubs-alex-bregman-free-agent-interest/?source=emp_shared_article" rel="noopener">aren’t giving up on the idea</a> of the 31-year-old infielder joining the team, according to Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. It’s said that the organization views Alex Bregman as a long-term piece at third base.</p><p>“Once again, a particular name stands out: Alex Bregman. After a failed bid to sign Bregman last spring training, the Cubs have shown renewed interest in the All-Star third baseman, according to sources briefed on the club’s offseason planning.</p><p>“While certain elements of the roster have changed — and the organization has different momentum from its first playoff appearance since 2020 — the logic that drove the Cubs to pursue Bregman then still applies now. In making his presentation to the Ricketts family, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer identified Bregman as a great fit with this core group and a solid long-term investment.”</p><p>Rumors are that the Cubs’ ownership group okayed a four-year, $115 million contract offer for Alex Bregman, per Mooney and Sharma. It does not appear that an official offer has been made just yet, but based on the reports, it sounds like Chicago is interested in signing Bregman.</p><p>“Chicago’s ownership group authorized Hoyer to make Bregman a four-year, $115 million offer that included opt-out clauses after the second and third seasons, according to sources briefed on the negotiations.”</p><p><a href="https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/blue-jays-news-kyle-tucker-visits-toronto-on-free-agency-trip">With Kyle Tucker set to leave</a>, the Cubs seemingly plan to give rookie hitters Owen Caissie and Moisés Ballesteros more opportunities next season. Adding Alex Bregman could give Chicago a big upgrade at third base to help the team compete in the NL Central.</p><p>The two-time World Series champion is coming off a stellar year with the Boston Red Sox. During his first season with the club, Alex Bregman managed to own a .273 batting average and .360 OBP while recording 118 hits, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs. His .273 batting average is the best he’s finished a season with since 2019, when he reached a career-high .296.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

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Martin