Cubs’ Alex Bregman fires back at frightening narrative amid painful start

When the Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract over the winter, some immediately called it an overpay.

Paying $35 million annually for a player who hadn’t really had an elite season since 2019 definitely seemed a bit sketchy, but the Cubs needed to do something, and Bregman was unquestionably one of the top players available.

Unfortunately, the early returns haven’t been good for Chicago, as Bregman is slashing .259/.341/.364 with five home runs and 18 RBI over 270 plate appearances thus far in 2026. He has been hitting the ball a bit better lately, but the power still isn’t there.

So, what’s the issue for the three-time All-Star? Is it mechanics? Is it adjusting to a new city? Or is the 32-year-old simply declining?

Bregman recently spoke to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic, and he specifically fired back against one narrative that has been plaguing Bregman: bat speed.

Chicago Cubs’ Alex Bregman sets the record straight

When Sharma brought up the topic of bat speed and how Bregman has seen a dip in that area this season, the star third baseman made it clear that he doesn’t think that has much of anything to do with his struggles at the dish.

“I really don’t think bat speed has anything to do with it,” Bregman said. “I think mechanics are everything, to be honest. I actually think I can move the bat faster and I’m stronger now than I’ve ever been in my entire career. The year I focused on bat speed in 2024 was the worst of my career.”

Bregman is referencing his final season with the Houston Astros, where he managed a .768 OPS and got off to an absolutely dreadful start, quite similar to the one he has gotten off to with the Cubs this spring.

The former No. 2 overall pick seems to believe that mechanics are the primary issue right now. Whatever the case may be, Bregman needs to get it squared away, and fast. Chicago has gone just 5-16 over its last 21 games, and while the team’s poor starting pitching has been the primary source of contention, its offense hasn’t exactly been lighting it up, either.

The sooner Bregman can get going, the sooner the Cubs can re-assume their position as legitimate contenders.

The post Cubs’ Alex Bregman fires back at frightening narrative amid painful start appeared first on ChiCitySports.