Emerging Cubs free agent rumors reveal why the Reds can’t wait any longer

While the Cincinnati Reds have made some nice upside plays — adding JJ Bleday and Dane Myers to form an outfield platoon that could outperform expectations — they can't take their eyes off the prize. The Reds have a limited budget to work with, but the NL Central is wide open for the taking if they can swing at least one bold move. The longer they wait, the less true that becomes.

The Chicago Cubs have finally awoken from their winter hibernation, having just paid a high price to import Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins. That was certainly a shot across the bow, but it's not the most concerning development regarding the Reds' Illinois-based rivals.

Word is that Chicago is dipping its toe in both the Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman markets, and that could be a huge blow to Cincinnati's chances at ascending to the status of NL Central favorite.

The Reds can't wait any longer to upgrade their lineup as the Cubs eye Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman

The Cubs' offense was a potent unit last season, finishing fifth in the majors in runs scored with 793. While it looks like their lineup will take a hit with Kyle Tucker departing, the impact of that is slightly overstated.

Chicago was without Tucker for a stretch last season, with the star right fielder only suiting up for 136 games. As injuries piled up in the second half, Tucker wasn't his usual dynamic self, posting a very average .738 OPS post-All-Star break. Without him, the Cubs still have plenty of firepower.

Their motivation now seems to be to add to their infield, with either Bichette or Bregman arriving to shore up what is already a formidable unit. Signing one of these marquee free agents would likely push the pesky but powerless Nico Hoerner out of town.

Hoerner is no slouch, hitting .297 and winning his second career Gold Glove in 2025. Still, either Bichette or Bregman would represent a sizable upgrade, thanks in large part to their superior power. Signing either of these big fish could set off a chain reaction where the Cubs can swap Hoerner for an outfield solution, making them even more threatening.

That's why it's imperative that the Reds get moving. Moves at the margins like Bleday and Myers are nice, but alone, they are no match for what the Cubs could pull off. Cincinnati can't flash the cash to land a star like Bichette or Bregman, but they can work the trade market and come up with an equally talented player. Ketel Marte comes to mind as a prime target, or the Reds could try to piece this thing together with a couple of smaller, but still impactful moves.

The longer they wait, the more they risk getting left out in the cold. If that happens and the Cubs manage to pull off what it seems that they're plotting to do, it could doom the 2026 season before it even begins.