The Chicago Cubs landed one of the premier free agents of the offseason, agreeing to a five-year, $175 million contract with All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. The deal, which includes a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs, is one of the largest contracts in franchise history and represents a major statement from a team intent on contending.
Bregman, 31, opted out of the final two years and $80 million remaining on his contract with the Boston Red Sox to re-enter free agency. Chicago moved aggressively in recent weeks to make the move, offering a club-record average annual value of $35 million. The Red Sox, who considered Bregman a top priority, reportedly offered $165 million over five years with significant deferrals, but were ultimately outbid by the Cubs.
A three-time All-Star, Gold Glove winner, Silver Slugger recipient, and two-time World Series champion, Bregman remains one of the most well-rounded third basemen in baseball. While his offensive peak came during his Houston Astros tenure, particularly in 2019 when he finished runner-up for American League MVP, he continues to provide strong production on both sides of the ball.
Bregman’s single season in Boston was interrupted by a right quadriceps injury that limited him to 114 games. Still, he posted a solid .273/.360/.462 slash line with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs and earned his third career All-Star selection. Prior to the injury, Bregman was one of the most productive hitters in the league, recording a .938 OPS in 52 games. After returning, his production dipped to a .724 OPS over 63 games, though he maintained his defensive consistency at third base.
Before joining the Red Sox, Bregman spent nine seasons with the Astros after being selected second overall in the 2015 MLB Draft. During his time in Houston, he became a central figure in one of baseball’s most successful runs, helping the Astros reach seven consecutive American League Championship Series and win two World Series titles. Across his 10-year Major League career, Bregman owns a .272/.365/.481 slash line with 209 home runs, 725 RBIs, and a 132 OPS+. He has finished in the top five of MVP voting twice and compiled 34.2 WAR with Houston, ranking among the league’s elite position players during that span.
Despite returning all four infield starters from a Cubs team that won 92 games and finished second in the National League Central, Chicago identified the need for an impact bat capable of anchoring the middle of the lineup. Adding Bregman fulfills that need and signals the organization’s willingness to invest heavily in proven talent.
The Cubs went 92-70 last season, defeated the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, and were eliminated by the division-rival Milwaukee Brewers in five games in the National League Division Series. Following that loss, the front office made clear its intention to add both a frontline starter and a star-level position player this offseason. By signing Bregman, Chicago takes a significant step toward that goal and adds a veteran leader with extensive postseason experience to a roster built to compete deep into October.
