The Chicago Cubs just signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract. If you're new to baseball betting, you might be wondering: what does this mean for futures bets? Let's break it down in simple terms.
What Are Futures Bets?
Unlike betting on a single game, futures bets are wagers on outcomes that happen at the end of the season. Common MLB futures include:
- World Series Winner: Which team wins it all
- Division Winner: Which team wins their division (Cubs = NL Central)
- Win Totals: Will a team win over or under a set number of games
- Pennant Winner: Which team wins the National or American League
The advantage of futures betting is you can get better odds BEFORE the season starts, especially after big signings like this one.
How Odds Work (Simple Explanation)
You'll see odds displayed like "+260" or "-150". Here's what they mean:
Understanding + and - Odds
Plus (+) odds: How much you WIN on a $100 bet. Cubs +260 means a $100 bet wins you $260 profit.
Minus (-) odds: How much you need to bet to WIN $100. Brewers -150 means you'd bet $150 to win $100.
The higher the plus number, the bigger the potential payout, but also the less likely the sportsbook thinks it'll happen.
The Cubs' Odds Before and After Bregman
| Bet Type | Before Signing | After Signing | What Changed |
|---|---|---|---|
| NL Central Winner | +320 | +260 | Odds shortened (less payout) |
| Win Total | 87.5 wins | 89.5 wins | +2 wins expected |
| World Series | +2500 | +2000 | Cubs seen as more likely |
Notice how the odds got "shorter" after Bregman signed? That means sportsbooks now see the Cubs as more likely to succeed, so they're offering less payout. This is why betting EARLY on futures can be valuable.
Who Is Alex Bregman?
For those new to baseball, here's why this signing matters:
- Two-time All-Star and 2017 World Series champion
- Career batting average: .273 (above league average)
- Hit 18 home runs and drove in 62 runs in 2025
- Known for getting on base (.360 OBP in 2025)
- Solid defender at third base
He's joining a Cubs team that won 92 games in 2025 and made the playoffs. They're trying to take the next step and win the division.
Beginner's Futures Strategy
If you're considering betting Cubs futures, here are some tips:
TIP #1: Don't Bet Your Whole Bankroll
Futures bets tie up your money for months. Only bet what you're comfortable not seeing for a while. A good rule: no more than 2-3% of your total betting budget on any single futures bet.
TIP #2: Bet Before Odds Move
The Cubs' odds will likely keep getting shorter if they make more moves or have a hot spring training. Getting in now at +260 is better than waiting until they're +180.
TIP #3: Consider Win Totals First
Win totals are easier to hit than championship picks. The Cubs over 89.5 wins only requires them to win 90+ games. They won 92 last year BEFORE adding Bregman. That's a more realistic target than World Series champions.
The NL Central Landscape
Here's where all five teams stand heading into 2026:
| Team | 2025 Record | Division Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Brewers | 96-66 | +210 |
| Chicago Cubs | 92-70 | +260 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 85-77 | +325 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 78-84 | +400 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 71-91 | +1200 |
Key Takeaway for Beginners
The Bregman signing makes the Cubs a legitimate threat to win the NL Central. If you're interested in futures betting, now is a good time to consider Cubs OVER 89.5 wins or NL Central +260 before those odds get shorter. Start small, be patient, and remember: futures are a marathon, not a sprint.