The Chicago Cubs didn't get much out of rookie Matt Shaw at third base last year, and they only scored a total of seven runs in their four playoff losses a year ago. They made a big move to fix that over the weekend, agreeing to a five-year, $175 million deal with Alex Bregman, according to reports.
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs won 92 games a year ago, made the playoffs and even beat the San Diego Padres in the wild-card round. But after finishing five games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the regular season, they also weren't good enough to beat them in the playoffs, losing in five games in the division series.
In their four playoff losses — three to Milwaukee, one to San Diego — they scored a total of seven runs. They just couldn't — and didn't — hit enough.
But so far during the offseason, their focus has been more on pitching than hitting. But that all changed over the weekend when several outlets reported that the Cubs were signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal.
He'll slide right into the heart of the Cubs batting order — and put them in great position to chase down the Brewers in the 2026 National League Central race.
Here's the Bregman story from Cubs Rountable writer Joey Pollizze.
Matt Shaw, a 23-year-old rookie a year ago, got most of the starts at third base for the Cubs, playing in 126 total games. He hit just .226 with 13 home runs and 44 RBIs, and struck out 94 times in 393 at-bats.
But he was just 2-for-17 in the playoffs, with just two singles and seven strikeouts. Even though they Cubs like his potential, they are all-in for 2026 and Bregman is a huge upgrade. Shaw, who can play second base as well, may find a utility role, but could also be a trade piece if the Cubs choose to add more pitching.
Here's how the Cubs' lineup might look heading into the 2026 campaign.
Pitchers and catchers report to Arizona for spring training on Feb. 9, and the full squad arrives on the Feb. 14. Opening Day for the Cubs is is Thursday, March 26, when they will host the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field.
Bregman will turn 32 years old on March 30. He has played 10 MLB seasons, the first nine with the Houston Astros. He spent the 2025 season with the Boston Red Sox, hitting 18 homers with 62 RBIs in 114 games. He missed two months in the first half of the season with a quadriceps injury.
Bregman signed a three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox before the season, but he had an opt-out clause after one year, and exercised it. Several teams were interested in signing him this winter, including the Red Sox, but the Cubs are the big winners, it looks like.
This is the third-largest contract in Cubs history. Only outfielder Jason Hayward ($184 million over eight years in 2015) and shortstop Dansby Swanson ($177 million over seven years in 2022) were bigger.