Alex Bregman provides insurance with RBI double (0:30)Alex Bregman widens the Red Sox’s lead with an RBI double in the ninth inning. (0:30)
Third baseman Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract Saturday, sources told ESPN, as the three-time All-Star joins the club one year after its failed pursuit of him in free agency.
Bregman, 31, opted out of a $40 million player option with the Boston Red Sox to hit free agency again after his first foray as a free agent last year. And though the Cubs fell short in landing him in 2025, they offered Bregman a club-record $35 million a year to secure his services in 2026, sources told ESPN.
Despite the Cubs returning all four infielders from a team that won 92 games and finished second in the National League Central, they stepped up their pursuit of Bregman in recent weeks and awarded him one of the largest contracts in franchise history.
Chicago probably will consider trading either Gold Glove-winning second baseman Nico Hoerner or third baseman Matt Shaw to make room for Bregman. Hoerner is a free agent after this season, but Shaw probably would bring a larger return package because of his six years of club control. The Cubs also could keep both, in addition to Bregman.
The Cubs’ pursuit of Bregman was because of his leadership traits and pull-happy offensive approach that should fit well at Wrigley Field. As the Cubs try to remain competitive in a loaded National League this season and beyond, they’ll turn to Bregman, who is renowned for his baseball IQ, interpersonal skills and work ethic, to help shepherd them.
This week, the Cubs traded for right-hander Edward Cabrera, giving up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie to solidify a rotation that lacks an ace but has plenty of hard throwers. With Hoerner, outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, and starters Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon all set to reach free agency after this season, Bregman and shortstop Dansby Swanson (signed through 2029) represent the only long-term commitments on Chicago’s payroll.
Though Bregman’s offensive abilities peaked when he finished as runner-up for American League MVP in 2019, he remains a consistent presence with plenty of power in the middle of a lineup. And when he hit free agency hoping to secure the long-term deal that he did not receive last winter, the Red Sox considered him their top priority, only for Chicago to ultimately give him more money, with both teams offering five years, according to sources.
Boston, which had spent much of the winter prioritizing Bregman, will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round because of his deal with Chicago.
Alex Bregman provides insurance with RBI double (0:30)Alex Bregman widens the Red Sox’s lead with an RBI double in the ninth inning. (0:30)
The deal, which has no opt-outs, includes a full no-trade clause, sources said.
Alex Bregman widens the Red Sox’s lead with an RBI double in the ninth inning. (0:30)