In a move that reshapes the Chicago Cubs’ lineup, the team has successfully signed Alex Bregman, a dynamic third baseman known for his veteran prowess and championship pedigree. Last offseason, the Cubs aggressively pursued Bregman as he was leaving the Houston Astros, eyeing his experience and batting skills to bolster their roster. However, Bregman initially chose the Boston Red Sox, agreeing to a three-year, $120 million contract, which included player options after each of the first two years.

Fast forward a year, and Bregman exercised his option to leave Boston, paving the way for the Cubs to secure him on a five-year, $175 million deal. This contract sets a new franchise record with an average annual value of $35 million. Yet, as reported by Ken Rosenthal, $70 million of this sum is deferred, making the present value of the deal closer to $30-$31 million annually. Interestingly, the contract features a full no-trade clause but lacks any opt-out options, underscoring Bregman’s long-term commitment to Chicago.

With Bregman in the fold, the Cubs gain a crucial piece for their long-term strategy. As several key players face free agency after the upcoming season, Bregman’s steady presence becomes even more vital for the team’s continuity and success.

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The Cubs are coming off a 92-70 season, which secured them a Wild Card berth. They managed to outplay the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round but were ultimately bested by their NL Central adversaries, the Milwaukee Brewers, in a tightly contested five-game divisional series.

As the Cubs gear up for another competitive season, they aim to surpass last year’s achievements and contend for a division title. Bregman’s leadership and deep understanding of the game are expected to be instrumental in this pursuit.

Bregman’s journey began when the Astros selected him as the second overall pick in the 2015 draft. Over nine seasons in Houston, he became a cornerstone of a team that reached the American League Championship Series seven times consecutively and claimed two World Series titles, in 2017 and 2022. A three-time All-Star and the runner-up for the AL MVP in 2019, Bregman boasts career batting averages of .273/.360/.462, with 209 home runs and 725 RBIs, highlighting his impact both at the plate and in the infield.

Last year, Bregman missed a month and a half of the season due to a quadriceps injury. However, he started the year strong and it ended it well, too. The Cubs are hoping to get more of that stellar production for the rest of the decade. They’re willing to pay a premium to make it happen.