MESA, Ariz. — At the beginning of the offseason, Jed Hoyer and the Cubs didn’t necessarily have Alex Bregman at the top of their wish list.

But, as the offseason lingered and spring training opened, the possibility became more real that he could don the Cubs’ pinstripes.

“It’s important to be opportunistic and that was sort of the case I was making [to ownership],” Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said on Thursday at Sloan Park. “I realize this is a financial stretch above our budget, but this is the moment to do it.”

[MLB rumors: Cubs offered Alex Bregman four-year, $120M contract]

Ultimately, though, Bregman landed in Boston — and despite not being a top target for the Cubs back in the fall, it didn’t dampen the sting either.

“Obviously disappointed,” Hoyer said. “Great player who was a great fit. We definitely recognized the opportunity.”

So, where do the Cubs go from here? 

Well, top prospect and 2023 1st-round pick Matt Shaw will have first crack at winning the job. Of course, while he has a ton of pedigree for his exploits in the minor leagues, that doesn’t mean instant success in the big leagues.

[MORE: How Cubs plan to develop Matt Shaw in the wake of Alex Bregman news]

The Cubs have various other in-house options to compete behind Shaw for the job — Jon Berti, Rule 5 pick Gage Workman, Vidal Bruján and non-roster invitee Nicky Lopez could factor into the mix. But don’t expect the Cubs to splurge to find another option at third base.

A league source confirmed the Cubs are right around their budget for the 2025 roster and the pursuit of Bregman was a separate chase beyond that figure. They are not expected to turn around and spend the money that was allocated for Bregman, though it could go towards adding players in-season if the Cubs need to take on extra salary to improve the roster.

“I think obviously we have a little bit of money for some small in-season things, but this obviously was a significant exception to be able to pursue this,” Hoyer said. “And I’m thankful that I was able to do that. I think it’s important to be able to be opportunistic and we tried to do that.

“We’ll always look, but I think right now, the big blocks — so to speak — and the medium blocks are sort of on this team.”

Now it’s up to the Cubs to prove they’re good enough to win.

“It’s a better group than we assembled last year at this time,” manager Craig Counsell said. “I think we’re in a good spot. I do think there’s always room to keep doing things and keep improving the roster.

“Now we got to go compete. We got to get people ready and prepare and go through the journey with each other.”