CHICAGO — Third baseman Alex Bregman has inked a five-year, $175 million deal with the Chicago Cubs, according to sources from ESPN. This move sees the three-time All-Star joining the Cubs just a year after their initial attempt to sign him in free agency fell short.
Bregman, who turns 32 on March 30, chose to decline a $40 million player option with the Boston Red Sox, opting to re-enter free agency after his first experience last year. Although the Cubs missed out on signing him in 2025, they have now offered him a franchise-record $35 million per year, ESPN sources reveal.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The contract reportedly includes no opt-out clauses and features a comprehensive no-trade clause, insiders have confirmed.
Last season, Bregman shone early in Boston, boasting a .299 batting average, a .385 on-base percentage, and a .553 slugging percentage, alongside 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. However, a quad injury sidelined him from May 24 to July 11. His leadership on a youthful Red Sox squad, which fell to the New York Yankees in the American League wild card series, was widely recognized.
Despite the Cubs having a solid infield returning from a 92-win season where they finished second in the National League Central, they intensified their pursuit of Bregman recently, culminating in one of the most significant contracts in the franchise’s history.
To accommodate Bregman’s addition, Chicago is contemplating trading either Gold Glove second baseman Nico Hoerner, who will be a free agent soon, or third baseman Matt Shaw, who could yield a substantial return due to his six years of team control. However, there is also the possibility of retaining both players alongside Bregman.
The Cubs’ fascination with Bregman had as much to do with his leadership traits as it does his pull-happy offensive approach that should fit well at Wrigley Field. As the Cubs try to remain competitive in a loaded NL 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.
The Cubs this week traded for right-hander Edward Cabrera, giving up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and solidifying a rotation without an ace but with plenty of live arms. 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 books.
While Bregman’s offensive abilities peaked when he finished as runner-up for AL MVP in 2019, he remains a consistent presence in the middle of a lineup with plenty of power.
RELATED | Chicago Cubs acquire right-hander Edward Cabrera in trade with Miami Marlins, sources say
After declining Boston’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, Bregman hit free agency hoping to secure the long-term deal that he did not land last winter. Boston, which had spent much of the winter prioritizing Bregman, will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round for his signing with Chicago.
Following nine years with the Houston Astros, who drafted Bregman with the second overall pick in 2015, he was a late arrival to Red Sox camp last year and made immediate impacts on the field and among the young, talented players arriving to Boston from the minor leagues. By the end of the season, he hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games.
Over his 10-year career, Bregman has slashed .272/.365/.481 with 209 home runs and 725 RBIs, winning two World Series titles and making seven straight AL Championship Series appearances. During his time with the Astros, Bregman compiled 34.2 FanGraphs wins above replacement, the eighth most among all position players.
Copyright © 2026 ESPN Internet Ventures. All rights reserved.
