What is the ripple effect on the Mariners now that Bregman has signed with the Chicago Cubs?
On Saturday night, the Chicago Cubs signed veteran third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year deal worth $175 million. The move shows that the Cubs are serious about contending for the National League Central crown, but it also has a trickle-down effect on the Seattle Mariners.
Let's examine.
1) The Mariners aren't getting Bregman
We never thought they were, but agent Scott Boras mentioned the Mariners in connection to Bregman earlier this offseason. Now, we can all put it to bed.
2) Could the Mariners acquire Nico Hoerner from the Cubs?
With Bregman and Dansby Swanson in the fold, one of Hoerner and Matt Shaw is the odd-man out. On one hand, Hoerner is a no-power infielder who has just one year of team control left. It would be easy to see why the Cubs could potentially trade him to the Mariners.
On the other, he's a premium base runner and a premium defender. If the Cubs are going all in with Bregman and the acquisition of Edward Cabrera, then why would they get rid of a good player who can help them win?
We did talk more about the possibility of Hoerner to the Mariners earlier this week on the 'Refuse to Lose' podcast, and we talked about it with Buster Olney of ESPN as well.
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3) The Bo Bichette market will intensify
If you were hoping that Bichette could slide to the Mariners on a below-market deal eventually, think again. He's got tons of leverage now with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays involved.
He isn't coming to Seattle on a sweetheart deal or a pillow contract.
4) The Brendan Donovan market will increase as well
Good news: With Ketel Marte no longer being traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Bregman off the market, the market should finally start to move on Donovan.
Bad news: With a smaller supply and a greater demand, the price probably just went up on the Mariners. The St. Louis Cardinals, evidently, did a good job holding out.
5) Eugenio Suarez lost a suitor
If you're a Mariners fan who was hoping to see Geno re-sign, this is all good news for you. The Cubs had been a contender in his market and with them out of the picture, the chance is greater that he returns to Seattle in 2026 for a third tour of the roster. We know the Mariners said they had kept contact with his reps, but that was before they signed Rob Refsnyder to a one-year deal.
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