Following Alex Bregman's departure from the Boston Red Sox, the Chicago Cubs have finalized a five-year, $175 million contract with the veteran third baseman, pending a physical. The deal, featuring a full no-trade clause and $70 million in deferrals, addresses Chicago's need for lineup impact amid recent roster moves.
The announcement coincided with a Chicago Bears playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers, amplifying local excitement. Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrated on Instagram: “Bears and BREGMAN. What is my life?!”
After opting out of his Red Sox deal post a solid 2025 (despite injury-limited play), Bregman— a two-time World Series champion with the Astros and former top draft pick alongside Cubs SS Dansby Swanson—joins a 92-win Wild Card team that fell in the NLDS to the Brewers.
Bregman slots at third base, potentially shifting Gold Glove rookie Matt Shaw to utility and making 2B Nico Hoerner expendable. Recent additions include RHP Edward Cabrera via trade and relievers like Hunter Harvey, positioning the Cubs as NL Central frontrunners against a quiet Brewers and rebuilding Cardinals.
The pact ranks third in Cubs history by value (behind Heyward and Swanson) and sets a $35 million AAV record, with deferrals keeping them under the $244 million CBT threshold. This reunion of top-two draft picks enhances defense and balance.
