Since Alex Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs during the offseason, expectations followed him from the moment he arrived at Wrigley Field. The three-time All-Star was brought in to add a proven bat to the middle of Chicago’s lineup and provide veteran leadership for a team with postseason ambitions. Instead, the first half of his season has become one of the most difficult stretches of his career.
The frustration was on full display Sunday as Bregman went 0-for-5 in the Cubs’ 2-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants. It was another tough day at the plate in what has been a season-long battle to find consistency. Rather than deflecting criticism or searching for excuses, Bregman addressed the situation directly after the game.
“I need to play better. Offensively, it’s been awful,” Bregman said. “I’ve failed many times in this game. I’ve struggled. I’ve started slow before. I’ve started fast before. When you’re struggling, there is only one way forward, and that’s straight, head-on through it. It comes down to executing in the game.”
Bregman Takes Responsibility for Slow Start
Those comments reflect the reality of a player who understands both the expectations attached to his contract and the standards he has established throughout his career. The numbers tell a clear story. Through the season’s first months, Bregman has struggled to generate the type of production that made him one of baseball’s most reliable offensive performers.
While slumps are nothing new in baseball, the severity of Bregman’s offensive downturn has drawn attention because of both his track record and the Cubs’ reliance on his bat. Chicago expected a consistent run producer. Instead, Bregman has found himself searching for answers at the plate.
Breaking Balls Have Become a Major Cubs Problem
One of the biggest factors behind Bregman’s struggles has been his inability to handle breaking pitches. Opposing pitchers have identified a weakness and continue attacking it aggressively. Breaking balls account for a career-high 40.1% of the pitches he has seen this season. Against those offerings, Bregman is batting just .144 while posting a 31% whiff rate.
The strategy has allowed pitchers to keep him off balance and limit his opportunities to drive the ball. As the season has progressed, clubs around the league have continued to lean on the same approach, forcing Bregman to make adjustments that have yet to fully materialize.
Career-Low Production Raises Concerns
The contact Bregman has made has also lacked the authority that defined much of his previous success. He has produced a career-high 41.3% ground-ball rate, resulting in fewer extra-base hits and less overall offensive impact. His 15 extra-base hits, .342 slugging percentage, and .302 weighted on-base average all represent career lows.
Overall, Bregman is batting .243 with a .669 OPS and five home runs. His struggles have become even more noticeable in key situations. With runners in scoring position, he is hitting just .178, leaving runners on base and contributing to offensive frustrations for the Cubs.
Despite the disappointing start, Bregman has built a reputation as a player capable of making adjustments. Chicago is counting on him to rediscover that form as the season moves forward. Whether he can solve the issues against breaking balls and begin producing in clutch situations could play a significant role in determining how successful the Cubs’ major offseason investment ultimately becomes.
