ESPN baseball insider and podcaster Buster Olney predicts that free agent Alex Bregman is close to signing with either the Boston Red Sox or Detroit Tigers.

The Chicago Cubs are considering signing free agent Justin Turner as a backup option if Alex Bregman signs elsewhere, according to The Athletic's

At the age of 40, Turner is a highly accomplished right-handed hitter (.821 career OPS) with tons of postseason experience.

For much of this offseason, the Chicago Cubs have been connected to free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman—a staple of the Houston Astros' glory years. However, should the Cubs come up short in the still-unresolved Bregman sweepstakes,

The Chicago Cubs are squarely in the mix for infielder Alex Bregman, the best remaining MLB free agent still available. But if they don’t land the two-time All-Star from the Houston Astros, they may look to veteran Justin Turner instead.

As the Houston Astros brace for what the future holds for Alex Bregman in MLB, the Chicago Cubs’ front office has sent a clear message about their interest in the star infielder. One of the most intriguing free agents in MLB this offseason has been Alex Bregman.