The Chicago Cubs’ pursuit of star third baseman Alex Bregman — a journey that began last offseason — has culminated in bringing him to the North Side.
The Cubs agreed to a deal Saturday with Bregman, a source confirmed to the Tribune, for a reported five years and $175 million. The contract sets a Cubs record for largest annual average value at $35 million.
The Cubs were among the three teams in contention to sign Bregman last spring training when the slugger chose to sign with the Boston Red Sox, who were willing to give an opt-out following the 2025 season. The Cubs, though, were unwilling to offer one until after the second year of that deal.
This time, Bregman will not have an opt-out. His five-year contract with the Cubs reportedly holds no opt outs and includes a full no-trade clause. The Cubs’ offer to Bregman in February 2025 was for four years and $115 million with opt-outs after 2026 and 2027.
The contract is the largest president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has given to a free agent since signing shortstop Dansby Swanson to a seven-year, $177 million contract before the 2023 season.
The addition of Bregman, 31, on the heels of trading with the Miami Marlins for a potential top-of-the-rotation arm in right-hander Edward Cabrera, signals the Cubs are serious about building off of a 92-win season that featured their first playoff series victory since 2017.
Bregman, a three-time All-Star, gives the Cubs a big bat to replace Kyle Tucker, who has not yet signed with another team.
Signing Bregman creates uncertainty for how Matt Shaw fits in for regular at-bats after becoming their starter at third base last year. He could fill a superutility role off the bench with his experience in the minors at second base and shortstop.
Bregman last season hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games for the Red Sox. He’s a career .272 hitter with 209 home runs and 725 home runs over 10 seasons, the first nine of which were with the Houston Astros.
