Alex Bregman has been diligently working on his hitting mechanics, reviewing video footage in his hotel room late into the night. With the assistance of Ben Martin, Chicago Cubs assistant director of major-league development, Bregman analyzed his swing using KinaTrax data. This data offers a detailed breakdown of how his body is biometrically organized, especially focusing on the initial loading of his swing.
Martin provided Bregman with comparative video footage from his 2016 season at Double-A Corpus Christi. This helped identify mechanical adjustments that Bregman desired. “We saw some pretty glaring differences,” Bregman noted. This analysis led him to rethink his approach and take those insights straight to the batting cage.
His tweaks have paid off remarkably in the Cubs’ recent series against the Washington Nationals. After hitting a home run on Tuesday, Bregman outdid himself on Wednesday, hitting three home runs and finishing with seven RBIs in a 12-6 victory. This standout performance marks the first time in Bregman’s career that he has achieved three home runs in a single game, setting a new personal record.
Cubs designated hitter Alex Bregman high-fives teammates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run against the Nationals in the eighth inning Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, in Washington. (Scott Taetsch/Getty)
Bregman shared that his mechanics have felt right since his discussions with Martin. “I feel like the last month or so has been a step in the right direction,” he stated. His recent success echoes the efforts he has invested in perfecting his technique.
The Cubs have become only the third team since the official recording of RBIs began in 1920 to have two players achieve a three-home-run, seven-RBI game in one season. This includes the New York Yankees’ Paul O’Neill and Mike Stanley in 1995, the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Jasson Domínguez in 2025, and now Dansby Swanson and Alex Bregman in 2026.
Manager Craig Counsell emphasized the demands of a 162-game season and praised Bregman for his daily dedication. “You can’t fake it through 162 games,” Counsell said. “Players come to play over 162 games, and that’s what Alex is doing.”
The Cubs have maintained an impressive run this season, leading the majors with 17 games where they scored over 10 runs. They have averaged 7.1 runs in their recent nine games, winning eight of them.
Left-hander David Peterson ensured the Cubs stayed competitive with the Nationals by allowing only four runs, three earned, in five innings. Peterson’s performance set the stage for the Cubs to capitalize on their strong lineup.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, left, high-fives Dansby Swanson after a 12-6 win against the Nationals on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, in Washington. (John McDonnell/AP)
The Cubs have been particularly effective with two outs. They lead the league in two-out runs with 241 scored this season. In August alone, 36 of their 70 runs have come with two outs. Swanson highlighted the team’s preparedness and ability to compete, attributing their success to their solid approach at the plate.
The Cubs have excelled against left-handed pitchers this season. On Wednesday, they faced lefty Jackson Kent, making his major-league debut for the Nationals. Prior to this game, the Cubs led in on-base percentage and slugging percentage against lefties and were second in batting averages and total runs scored.
The lineup’s depth was evident as they drew five walks in four-plus innings from Kent. Despite Kent’s early success against center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, Crow-Armstrong later hit a game-tying RBI double. The Cubs continued their pressure, scoring additional runs off left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove.
Manager Craig Counsell noted that consistency against left-handed pitching has been crucial. With players like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch performing well against left-handers, the Cubs have found success. Counsell acknowledged, “Pete’s been incredible, and he’s hitting at the top of your lineup, that’s a big deal.”