Manager Craig Counsell unconcerned about underperforming Alex Bregman
Manager Craig Counsell unconcerned about underperforming Alex Bregman
As the 2026 MLB season reaches its critical midway point, the Chicago Cubs find themselves atop the NL Central, yet a cloud of scrutiny has hovered over their star third baseman, Alex Bregman. Despite a massive five-year, $175 million contract signed this past winter, Bregman’s statistical output has seen a noticeable dip compared to his career averages. However, Cubs manager Craig Counsell has remained steadfast in his support, publicly stating he is completely unconcerned about the veteran's current slump. Counsell emphasizes that Bregman’s value extends far beyond the box score, citing his elite plate discipline, leadership in the clubhouse, and defensive reliability as key components to the team's winning record.
The featured snippet for this trending sports update confirms that while Alex Bregman is currently batting .233 with only 3 home runs through early May 2026, manager Craig Counsell views this as a temporary variance rather than a long-term decline. Counsell highlights Bregman's 96th percentile "Squared-Up" percentage and his disciplined 11.8% walk rate as indicators that the veteran is still seeing the ball well. The Cubs organization remains confident that Bregman’s historical track record of heating up in the summer months will hold true, especially as the team looks to solidify its postseason positioning.
Analyzing Alex Bregman's Transition to the Chicago Cubs
The arrival of Alex Bregman in Chicago was heralded as the final piece of the puzzle for a Cubs team hungry for a deep October run. Transitioning from the American League to the National League often comes with a learning curve, and Bregman has been open about the adjustments required. Playing at Wrigley Field presents unique atmospheric challenges compared to the controlled environment of Minute Maid Park or the hitter-friendly dimensions of Fenway Park, where he spent 2025. Despite the lower batting average, Bregman has been instrumental in mentoring younger players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw, fulfilling the "proven winner" role that Jed Hoyer envisioned during the free-agent pursuit.
Craig Counsell’s Philosophy on Veteran Slumps
Craig Counsell is no stranger to managing high-profile veterans. Having navigated similar situations during his tenure in Milwaukee, Counsell understands that established stars like Bregman possess a "mental floor" that prevents them from collapsing entirely. Counsell’s lack of concern stems from advanced metrics that suggest Bregman is actually making solid contact but suffering from a low BABIP (Batting Average on Balls In Play). By maintaining a consistent spot in the lineup for Bregman, Counsell is signaling to the rest of the roster that process is valued over short-term results, a philosophy that has kept the Cubs' clubhouse culture stable during the ups and downs of the 2026 campaign.
The Statistical Breakdown: Surface Stats vs. Underlying Metrics
On the surface, a .233 batting average and a .661 OPS are jarring for a player of Bregman’s caliber. However, a deeper dive into the 2026 data reveals that Bregman remains one of the most difficult outs in the league. His chase rate is in the 96th percentile, and his strikeout rate is significantly lower than the league average. This means he is not "lost" at the plate; rather, he is finding gloves. In his last 12 games, his average has ticked up to .333, indicating that the positive regression Counsell predicted is already beginning to manifest. The Cubs' manager has pointed to these small windows of success as proof that a massive breakout is imminent.
Defensive Stability at the Hot Corner
One area where there has been zero underperformance is Bregman’s defense. After winning the Gold Glove in 2024, Bregman has brought a level of stability to third base that the Cubs have lacked for several seasons. In 2025, the Cubs used a revolving door of players at the hot corner, leading to defensive inconsistencies. Bregman’s presence has allowed the infield to settle into a rhythm, which has been a primary factor in the success of the Cubs' pitching staff, including Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon. Counsell has noted that even when Alex isn't hitting, his glove is saving runs every night, which is just as valuable as an RBI single.
Alex Bregman 2026 Performance Comparison
| Metric | 2026 Season Stats (to date) |
|---|---|
| Batting Average | .233 |
| Home Runs | 3 |
| OPS | .661 |
| Walk Rate | 11.8% |
| Defensive Runs Saved | +4 |
The Impact of the $175 Million Contract on Public Perception
With a $35 million average annual value, the expectations for Bregman were sky-high from the moment he donned the pinstripes. Fans and media often use the contract as a stick to measure performance, which can create a pressure-cooker environment. However, Bregman has remained poised, focusing on his "winning" mantra. In press conferences, he has redirected questions about his personal stats to the team's winning record. Counsell has protected his star from the media narrative, reminding critics that a season is 162 games long and that the "Bregman investment" was made for his career-long ability to perform when the lights are brightest in September and October.
How the Cubs’ Depth Allows Bregman Time to Reset
Fortunately for the Cubs, the rest of the lineup has been firing on all cylinders. The emergence of Michael Busch and the continued growth of Seiya Suzuki have provided enough offensive production to mask Bregman’s slow start. This depth gives Counsell the luxury of not having to "force" Bregman into situations or drop him too far down in the batting order. The Cubs' current 27-14 record is a testament to the team's overall balance. Because the team is winning, the "underperforming" narrative carries less weight in the standings, allowing Bregman to find his timing without the burden of carrying the entire offense on his back.
Historical Context: Bregman’s Career "Summer Heats"
Looking back at Bregman’s tenure with the Houston Astros, he has frequently been a slow starter in the spring months, only to explode in the summer. In 2018 and 2019, his MVP-caliber seasons, Bregman saw significant jumps in his slugging percentage starting in late June. Cubs historians and analysts have been quick to point out these trends to ease the anxiety of the Wrigley faithful. Counsell and the coaching staff are likely banking on this historical precedent, expecting the humidity of a Chicago summer to help the ball carry further and turn those flyouts into the home runs that fans are waiting to see.
Clubhouse Leadership and the "Proven Winner" Factor
Beyond the diamond, Bregman has stepped into a leadership void. As a two-time World Series champion, he brings a level of postseason experience that is rare in the current Cubs clubhouse. Sources close to the team suggest that Bregman’s work ethic in the batting cages and his preparation in film rooms have set a new standard for the younger players. Craig Counsell has highlighted this "intangible" value multiple times, suggesting that the culture Bregman is helping build is worth the price of admission alone. When your highest-paid player is also your hardest worker, it creates a ripple effect that improves the entire roster.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Alex Bregman’s 2026 Season
Q1: Why is Alex Bregman struggling at the plate in 2026?
A1: While his batting average is lower than usual, advanced metrics suggest he is suffering from bad luck on balls in play, combined with an adjustment period to a new league and stadium. His plate discipline remains elite.
Q2: What has Craig Counsell said about Bregman’s performance?
A2: Counsell has stated he is "unconcerned" and "super excited" to have Bregman. He believes Bregman’s process is correct and that the results will follow shortly.
Q3: Is Alex Bregman still playing good defense?
A3: Yes, Bregman remains one of the top defensive third basemen in the MLB, currently posting positive Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) and providing much-needed stability at the hot corner for the Cubs.
Q4: How does Bregman’s 2026 contract affect the Cubs' future?
A4: Bregman is signed to a 5-year, $175 million deal. While it is a significant financial commitment, the Cubs view it as an investment in winning culture and long-term stability at a key position.
Q5: Has Bregman shown signs of improvement recently?
A5: Yes, in his last 12 games, he has batted over .333 and snapped an 0-for-12 slump with a three-hit game against the Rays, suggesting he is beginning to heat up.
Conclusion
The 2026 Chicago Cubs are a team on the rise, and while Alex Bregman’s traditional statistics haven't yet matched his superstar salary, the consensus within the organization is one of patience and confidence. Manager Craig Counsell’s public backing of Bregman serves as a powerful endorsement of the veteran's process and intangible contributions. As the season progresses into the warmer months, all signs point to Bregman returning to his All-Star form. For now, his elite defense and veteran leadership continue to be primary drivers of the Cubs' success in the NL Central. Fans should expect the "Bregman breakout" to be one of the biggest storylines of the summer.
Manager Craig Counsell unconcerned about underperforming Alex Bregman
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