The new-look Cubs Opening Day lineup projection after the Alex Bregman blockbuster

After missing the postseason from 2021 to 2024, the Chicago Cubs found themselves playing meaningful October baseball this past season. They would go on to take down the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card, but would have a problem with their division rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the NLDS. 

After losing the series, it was back to the drawing board to figure out how to put themselves in a better position for the 2026 season. The front office has stayed busy, making multiple moves that should do just that. 

Matthew Boys and Colin Rea returned on one and two-year deals. Shota Imanaga accepted his qualifying offer, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. 

The Cubs acquired Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins, signed Phil Maton, Hunter Harvey, Jacob Webb, Hoby Milner, and Caleb Thielbar. However, their biggest splash came when they reached a five-year, $175 million contract with Alex Bregman. 

MORE: Giants-Cubs trade pitch ships Nico Hoerner to SF for a pair of prospects

The new-look Cubs Opening Day lineup projection after the Alex Bregman blockbuster

With much of the offseason news already over, we have a clearer look at how some of these teams may be rolling out their lineups for the 2026 season. Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter took a crack at projecting every lineup, and here is what he believes the Cubs could look like on Opening Day. 

1B Michael Busch
3B Alex Bregman
LF Ian Happ
RF Seiya Suzuki
CF Pete Crow-Armstrong
2B Nico Hoerner
C Carson Kelly
DH Moises Ballesteros (R)
SS Dansby Swanson

Reuter pencils Bregman in at the two-spot, while Ballesteros will man DH. Dansby Swanson could seriously take advantage of the nine-hole, using it as a double leadoff. 

All in all, this is a lineup that could score runs in bunches. It could be hard to shut down this offense entirely in 2026.

More MLB news:

• Diamondbacks predicted to sign 7x All-Star in latest lineup projection
• Orioles-Twins trade idea packages Joe Ryan and Cole Sands to Baltimore
• Proposed Diamondbacks trade lands them a four-time Gold Glove Award winner
• Mets-Twins trade idea sends another Gold Glove outfielder to NY for a pair of prospects
• Proposed Angels trade sends Jo Adell to KC for All-Star arm