Combined with $765 million man Juan Soto and perpetual All-Star shortstop Francisco Lindor, Bichette both lengthens and diversifies New York's lineup. Bichette banged out 181 hits in 139 games in 2025, and twice led the AL in hits, in 2021 (191) and 2022 (189).

The Cubs have a projected cash payroll of just over $176 million for the 2026 season prior to signing Bregman, per Spotrac. That was projected to rank 11th among all MLB clubs next season, according to Spotrac. The Cubs were also projected to have $35.2 million in projected tax space next season prior to Bregman's signing, per Spotrac.

It might seem too early to start looking at potential starting lineups for when opening day rolls around but ultimately it is crucial to see where a ball club s

Earning a nod on the opening day lineup card etches your name in a team's lore forever. particularly those pitchers bestowed the honor of taking the mound. While the 2025 campaign officially began in Tokyo last week with two games between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs, 28 of 30 teams are in action Thursday for the stateside opener.

The most recent World Baseball Classic ended on one of the sport's most iconic moments in recent memory. Three years later, how will the 2026 WBC thrill us? We will soon find out.