In a surprising turn of events, third baseman Alex Bregman has officially signed a significant five-year contract worth $175 million with the Chicago Cubs, as reported by sources to ESPN. This deal marks a notable achievement for the Cubs, who had previously tried and failed to secure Bregman's services during last year's free agency.
Bregman, soon to celebrate his 32nd birthday on March 30, made the bold decision to opt out of a lucrative $40 million player option with the Boston Red Sox. After testing the waters of free agency last year, he was eager to re-enter the market. Despite the Cubs facing disappointment in the 2025 season, they recognized Bregman's potential and offered him a record-setting annual salary of $35 million to ensure his commitment to the team. According to sources, this agreement does not include any opt-out clauses and comes with a full no-trade provision.
Last season, Bregman started strong with the Red Sox, boasting an impressive batting line of .299/.385/.553, accompanied by 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. However, a quad injury sidelined him for a crucial period from May 24 to July 11. Beyond his performance on the field, he garnered respect for his leadership qualities, guiding a relatively young Red Sox squad that faced elimination in the American League wild card series against the New York Yankees.
Even with all four infielders returning from a successful 92-win campaign, the Cubs intensified their pursuit of Bregman in recent weeks, ultimately rewarding him with one of the largest contracts in franchise history. In light of Bregman's arrival, Chicago may contemplate trading away either Gold Glove-winning second baseman Nico Hoerner, who will become a free agent after this season, or third baseman Matt Shaw, whose extended club control might attract a more substantial return in trade negotiations. However, it’s also possible that the Cubs could retain both players alongside Bregman.
The Cubs' interest in Bregman stems not only from his offensive capabilities but also from his exceptional leadership traits, which align perfectly with the team’s strategy moving forward. With the National League becoming increasingly competitive, the Cubs are counting on Bregman—renowned for his sharp baseball intellect, strong interpersonal skills, and diligent work ethic—to help guide the team through challenging seasons ahead.
Recently, the Cubs made headlines by trading for right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera, parting ways with top outfield prospect Owen Caissie in the process. This move adds depth to a rotation that lacks a definitive ace yet boasts a wealth of promising arms. As several key players, including Hoerner and outfield stars Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, are set to enter free agency after this season, Bregman, along with shortstop Dansby Swanson—who is signed through 2029—represents the Cubs’ only long-term commitments at this juncture.
While Bregman's offensive output peaked when he finished as the runner-up for the AL MVP award in 2019, he continues to be a reliable force within a lineup rich in power. After declining Boston's qualifying offer of $22.025 million, Bregman entered free agency with hopes of securing the long-term deal that eluded him the previous winter. As compensation for losing Bregman, the Red Sox will receive a draft pick after the fourth round due to his signing with Chicago.
Having spent nine successful years with the Houston Astros—who selected him as the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft—Bregman joined the Red Sox camp late last year but quickly made a significant impact both on the field and among the emerging talent from the minor leagues. By season's end, he posted a batting line of .273/.360/.462, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 62 runs across 114 games.
Over the course of his decade-long career, Bregman holds a batting average of .272, with a .365 on-base percentage and a .481 slugging percentage, complemented by 209 home runs and 725 RBIs. His impressive resume includes two World Series championships and seven consecutive appearances in the AL Championship Series. Throughout his tenure with the Astros, Bregman accumulated 34.2 wins above replacement (WAR) according to FanGraphs, ranking eighth among position players—a testament to his valuable contributions on the field.
