Hey there, baseball enthusiasts and night owls! It's time to dive into another thrilling edition of BCB After Dark, where we keep the conversation groovy and the topics diverse. Tonight, we're exploring a hot-button issue that has Cubs fans buzzing: Are the Cubs better off with Alex Bregman? But before we dive into that, let's warm up with some music, movies, and a touch of jazz.
The Dark Horse Debate: Cincinnati or Pittsburgh?
Last night, we asked you to predict the dark horse candidate for the National League Central. While the projection systems favor Pittsburgh, you, the fans, believe it's Cincinnati, with a convincing 66% to 34% margin. It's a bold prediction, and we're eager to see if the experts will be proven wrong.
A Jazz Legend Lost: Ken Peplowski
We start the music segment with a tribute to the late Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and band leader who passed away at 66. Peplowski, a true jazz enthusiast, died doing what he loved—performing on a jazz cruise ship. His legacy lies in keeping the big band sound alive, and we honor him by sharing a performance of the jazz standard "Body and Soul," featuring Peplowski alongside fellow clarinetist Victor Gomes and a talented band. A true legend, gone too soon.
BCB Winter Science Fiction Classic: Alien vs. Star Trek II
Now, it's time to continue our science fiction movie tournament. You've already voted, and 2001: A Space Odyssey has advanced to the Final Four. Tonight, we're picking the third film to join it, with a battle between Alien and Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Both films are media empires in their own right, creating expansive worlds that fans can't get enough of. But which one will advance? Let's dive into some clips and analyze their impact.
The Cubs' Big Decision: Tucker or Bregman?
Now, we shift our focus back to the Cubs and a decision that has fans divided. Last season, the talk was all about Kyle Tucker, and whether the Cubs would re-sign him. But instead, they pivoted and signed Alex Bregman. So, let's break down the implications of this move.
First, let's talk money. Tucker signed a lucrative deal with the Dodgers, a four-year, $240 million contract with opt-outs after two and three years. In comparison, Bregman's deal with the Cubs is a five-year, $175 million contract, with some deferrals bringing the present-day value down to around $30.5 million annually. While it's a record annual deal for the Cubs, it falls short of Jason Heyward's deal a decade ago.
But money aside, let's look at the players' projected value. The latest Steamer projections from Fangraphs show almost no difference between Tucker and Bregman. Tucker is projected to be a 3.9 WAR player, while Bregman is estimated at 3.8. So, did the Cubs make the right call?
David Adler's article highlights an interesting point: Bregman and Tucker reach their value in different ways. Tucker is projected to be a top-ten hitter with a wRC+ of 139, an elite level. Bregman, while good with a wRC+ of 121, doesn't match Tucker's hitting prowess. However, Bregman makes up for it with his defense. As a third baseman, he plays a more demanding defensive position, and he's very good at it. Tucker, once a good defensive right fielder, has seen his defensive skills decline.
So, setting the contracts aside, which player gives the Cubs a better chance at a title in 2026? Do they need Tucker's power and left-handed bat, or Bregman's consistent hitting and defense?
There's also the matter of roster construction. Signing Bregman pushes incumbent third baseman Matt Shaw to a bench role, reducing his at-bats. Shaw was a solid hitter in the second half of last year, so this move impacts the team's overall offensive output. On the other hand, Shaw takes over the utility infield position from Vidal Bruján and Willi Castro, who underperformed in 2025.
Re-signing Tucker would have pushed Seiya Suzuki back into the DH role. While Suzuki's defense is questionable, it's even worse than Tucker's, so there's a defensive downgrade. Moving Suzuki to DH also means rookie Moisés Ballesteros might spend the season in Iowa or be traded. Ballesteros is projected to have a wRC+ of 107, similar to Matt Shaw's predicted output.
The impact of these players on the clubhouse is also a factor, though hard to measure. The Cubs emphasized Bregman's reputation as a positive teammate when they signed him.
So, setting aside the contracts and their ages, which player gives the Cubs the best chance to win in 2026? Vote now and let us know! Remember, we're only considering their impact this year. Who do you think will lead the Cubs to victory?
Thanks for joining us at BCB After Dark. We hope you enjoyed the ride. Stay tuned, and we'll see you next week for more late-night fun!
