The Chicago Cubs promised noise this winter, didn’t they? But so far, it’s been more background hum than headline roar. Chicago came out of October with answers staring them in the face. They need a true No. 1 starter. They need late-inning bullpen juice. And they need a bat that can soften the blow of Kyle Tucker’s exit, who’s now ruled out to the Dodgers or Yankees .

Yet the transaction log stays light. Two relievers (Phil Maton and Hoby Milner) hardly scream contender. Chicago’s checked in on plenty of big names, though. Dylan Cease. Devin Williams. Robert Suárez. Pete Alonso. Even Ryan Helsley. Same result every time. The Chicago Cubs engaged, then stopped short when the bidding jumped. That’s been the pattern.

Now, the team is heavily linked to former Red Sox star Alex Bregman

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