The Chicago Cubs changed the balance of power in the National League the moment they committed $175 million to Alex Bregman, one of the most consistent infield bats of the last decade. Moves like this are why serious bettors track offseason transactions as closely as box scores. On the top MLB betting websites, a single elite signing can swing division odds, win totals, and player prop pricing overnight.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are also trying hard to sign Bo Bichette. He is one of the most productive shortstops in baseball and the biggest remaining free agent. What he decides will impact the entire NL East significantly, including team futures and daily matchup betting.
These two moves — one already complete and one still developing — are what is driving the current free agency frenzy. What is most interesting is how these changes will impact performance and betting. This analysis is primarily focused on Bregman in Chicago, Bichette in Philadelphia, how these moves stack up against the rest of the league, and how bettors can take advantage before sportsbooks catch up.
Chicago’s Power Move Changes the NL Central
Alex Bregman’s addition to the Cubs is more than just news. It’s insightful news. Bregman is a 3rd baseman who has power and the ability to get on base (.360 OBP) along with 200 career home runs. Bregman is also a good postseason player, making him even more valuable.
The Cubs finished near the top of the NL offensive rankings, but when it comes to middle-order hitters, they are still looking for the right guy. Bregman is the right guy. He has a good ability to work counts, so he can also get on base, drive runs, and punish pitchers who can’t throw well. Bregman has now made the lineup even more dangerous.
Chicago now has more projection for offensive runs per game with the addition of Bregman. This will give them a higher win projection, make the odds for the NL Central more favorable for them, and increase the over/under runs for the Cubs on a game-to-game basis, making it more favorable for bets.
The Cubs also signed a player who is good for 162 games. Over the course of a season, that is valuable for bettors.
Why the Phillies Are Going All-In on Bichette
Bo Bichette is not a free agent who fills a roster hole — he changes the way a lineup works. He’s a high-contact, high-power shortstop with elite bat speed and a track record of hitting for average while still driving the ball. At his peak, he’s one of the most complete offensive players in baseball.
The Phillies already have power hitters who can change a game with one swing. What they lack at times is consistency at the top and middle of the order. Bichette solves that. He keeps innings alive, forces pitchers to throw strikes, and puts pressure on defenses.
If Philadelphia lands him, their projected runs jump. Their divisional odds tighten. Their playoff probability increases. That affects everything from season-long futures to individual game totals and player performance markets.
This is where MLB prop betting becomes especially valuable. Bichette in a stronger lineup means more RBI chances, more runs scored, and more favorable matchup pricing. If sportsbooks lag behind the signing, especially over the offseason, early bettors can catch a lot of value handed to them before the market corrects.
How This Free Agency Blitz Compares to Past Winters
While off-seasons are generally slow, this one has seen significant changes nonetheless. Teams are being more risk-averse, but when they decide to pull the trigger, they do so with large contracts. Bregman’s deal is among the biggest for a third baseman. Bichette’s contract will likely be among the largest for a shortstop, should he be signed.
The Cubs signed large contracts to indicate they believe they can challenge now. The Phillies go after Bichette to show they are not just okay being a playoff team. They are coming for the NL East title.
Other teams, in contrast, have taken a slower and steadier approach, focusing on the younger core. Some shifts in the league will push some teams to become more active and some to become more passive.
Smart money is active for the teams that have not signed anyone. If one team is clearly better, some teams will be less so in the opposite direction.
How Bettors Can Use These Moves Right Now
The more time you have before sportsbooks update their lines, the better.
Bregman will definitely increase the Cubs’ win total. If you spot a number that looks like it’s based on projections before the signing, that’s value. The same goes for Cubs division and playoff future bets.
If Bichette signs with Philadelphia, expect their win total and playoff odds to move quickly, along with a tightened range for World Series bets. If you bet before the lines move, you’ll have a better payout.
Bregman’s placement in a better lineup will generate more RBIs. With Bichette being a hitter in front of some power, the pitch selection will be more advantageous, and the on-base percentage will be better.
Suspensions and injuries elsewhere in the league matter too. When stars go down, replacement players’ props get mispriced. Those are small edges that add up over a season.
What the 2026 Season Is Starting to Look Like
Bregman in Chicago makes the Cubs one of the most complete teams in the NL. They have plenty of power, veteran experience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Adding Bichette would give the Phillies one of the most threatening lineups in the league. It is tough to defend against so much variety in a postseason series against a lineup of contact hitters and power bats.
The pre-season odds will continue to fluctuate as the free agent market continues to fill in the spring with more rotations, bullpens, and bench pieces.
The best bettors will be the ones who move to the anticipatory bets first. Not the ones who chase bets after they have moved.
Expert Insights
Wager on Totals for the Cubs Early
Bregman should help with the run total for the Cubs, so there may be some value in overs for Cubs games before sportsbooks adjust.
Bichette’s Signing Will Alter Futures
You will want to act right after the deal, as you will be able to beat the market with your wager.
Leverage Player Props
Big stars who switch teams get player props misaligned in the first couple of weeks of the season.
Battered Ball Stats
When a controlled strike zone is in effect, pitchers are more likely to throw hittable pitches to a batter because of the strong hitters behind him in the lineup.
Be on the lookout for replacement Player Props
New starters created by suspensions and injuries have soft props because of a lack of information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What could Bregman’s signing mean for the Cubs’ futures?
A: It suggests Bregman increases Chicago’s projected wins and makes them a stronger division and playoff contender. Therefore, he usually shortens Bregman’s odds.
Q: Why is Bichette a desirable player?
A: Bichette offers elite offensive production from a more valuable defensive position while creating better offensive consistency in the lineup.
Q: When would the free agent market appear more stable?
A: Typically, after the last major star signs, combined with when spring training kicks off.
Q: In what ways do roster changes affect betting lines?
A: They affect run projections, total wins, and the individual projections for players.
Q: Is it better to bet before or after signings?
A: Before, if you believe a move is a likely outcome. If you’re waiting for confirmation, but are OK with worse odds.
Q: Can You Win Big with Sportsbook Parlay Bets?
A: Yes, but sportsbook parlay bets are high-risk. They offer big payouts, but each added leg reduces the chance of winning.
Where Smart Bettors Go From Here
Alex Bregman joining the Cubs and Bo Bichette nearing a decision are reshaping the 2026 MLB landscape. These moves don’t just change standings — they change betting markets, player props, and futures value across the league.
The top MLB betting websites are already adjusting, but there is still time to find mispriced odds before the dust settles. Teams with upgraded lineups will be priced higher. Teams that stand pat may become undervalued.
If you want to take advantage of these shifts, now is the window. Get in early and place your bets at BetNow before the numbers catch up to the new reality of the MLB.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: January 12, 2026
Last updated: January 18, 2026