The Chicago Cubs don’t know if veteran third baseman Alex Bregman will be able to return for the start of the 2026 MLB postseason after Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures in Sunday’s series finale against the Cincinnati Reds. This would be the second straight year that a freak accident during the final week of the regular season could greatly impact the Cubs heading into the playoffs.
A foul ball smashed the left side of Bregman’s face as he was standing near the on-deck circle during Michael Busch’s fourth-inning at-bat against Luis Mey. A 97mph fastball was fouled off as Busch tried to check his swing at the last second, but the bounce unfortunately made direct contact to Bregman’s face.
On the bright side, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Sunday that although Bregman suffered broken bones, surgery will not be required at this time, opening the door for a potential return sometime during the playoffs. With one week left in the regular season and the Wild Card round starting Sept. 29, there is no concrete answer as to Bregman’s availability once the playoffs begin.
Via Jeff Passan.
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Chicago Cubs star Alex Bregman suffered multiple facial fractures after being struck by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle Sunday, sources tell ESPN. Bregman will not undergo surgery and is hopeful to return in the postseason.
The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney also reported the same injuries for Bregman, and in a similar tone, left Bregman’s status murky a week before the team’s Wild Card Series.
Via Patrick Mooney.
There’s no doubt that Bregman, widely known as a baseball gym rat, will want to keep playing. His vision is expected to be in good shape. But it’s currently unclear if he will be able to perform under these circumstances.
Bregman has been outstanding since the All-Star Game, posting a team-best 167 wRC+ with 17 home runs and a slash line of .296/.378/.600 in his last 59 games. Overall in 2026, Bregman has 26 home runs and 89 RBI, while also being the top-rated defensive third baseman in MLB.
The third baseman’s second-half performance also includes an incredible .368 batting average with runners in scoring position, driving in 28 runs in 57 at-bats with RISP.
So, if Bregman isn’t back, who would fill in? Pedro Ramirez and Matt Shaw both have plenty of experience at third base, and both young players have had moderate success on offense. Ramirez is hitting .266/.324/.419 with six home runs in 75 games during his rookie season. Meanwhile, Shaw is at .238/.330/.419 with five home runs in 73 games.
However, neither player can make up for Bregman’s postseason experience. The 32-year-old, who has two World Series rings under his belt, has played in 102 postseason games in the last nine years. Bregman has excelled in October, posting a .791 OPS in 380 at-bats, hitting 19 home runs in the playoffs.
Last year, the Cubs lost their ace, Cade Horton, a week before the playoffs began, after a persistent cough led to a freak rib fracture. Horton missed the Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres and the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Bregman shared an update on Monday; while it improved from Sunday, his face was still in poor shape.
The swelling will go away, but with the fractures, you just don’t know how comfortable the Cubs will be having him back out there. As for Bregman, you know he’ll do anything to play.
The Cubs are one win away from clinching a playoff berth. Entering Tuesday’s action, the Cubs are currently matched up against the Padres for a Wild Card rematch at Wrigley Field. However, despite only six games remaining on the schedule, the NL playoff picture still isn’t clear.
