This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/cubs/onsi as Cubs Predicted To Land Alex Bregman As Top Competition Holds Off.

The Athletic's Will Sammon pondered the possibility. While Sammon presents the idea as more of a hypothetical than a given, it's a fair reaction to what has been a quiet stretch for Munetaka Murakami ahead of his signing deadline, 5 pm. ET on Monday, Dec. 22.

As Ketel Marte trade rumors continue to gain steam, the Arizona Diamondbacks are emerging as a potential landing spot for Alex Bregman.

The Boston Red Sox signed Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million deal last offseason, and after opting out, he is reportedly looking for a longer commitment. According to The Athletic’s Jen McCaffrey on Friday,

An MLB insider shuts down speculation linking Alex Bregman to the Diamondbacks, calling a potential trade highly unlikely.

Plus, he also makes the connections that both Bregman and Burnes live in the Phoenix area, both are represented by agent Scott Boras, and both have young children. “The signing of Bregman, which likely would be possible only if the Diamondbacks first trade second baseman Ketel Marte,

Cast, Jake and Jordan talk about Team USA’s stacked rotation for the WBC and note the latest free-agent signings in MLB.