Cubs reliever and ex-Astros closer Ryan Pressly joined Chicago in a trade from Houston late last month, which followed December's blockbuster deal that sent three-time All-Star Kyle Tucker to Chicago. Pressly said Tuesday he's been in contact with Bregman occasionally this winter. Pressly added he's taking a more relaxed approach with his pitch.

Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon paused, considered his answer and cracked a smile, eliciting some laughter from the group of reporters and cameras surrounding his locker. He had just been asked about the possibility of free agent Alex Bregman being the next marquee addition for the North Siders.

With two of Bregman's former Houston Astros teammates on the roster in Pressly and Kyle Tucker, some members of the Cubs were asked if they have done any recruiting pitches for the star third baseman.