Chicago lands an impactful bat! All-Star Alex Bregman joins the Cubs on a massive five-year deal, significantly bolstering their offense and World Series aspirations.
The Chicago Cubs have done it.
After acquiring Edward Cabrera in a blockbuster trade earlier this week, the Cubs have made another big move. This time, adding an impactful bat to their lineup.
According to Jeff Passan, the North Siders have signed All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. This marks the third-largest contract in Cubs history behind Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million deal and Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million deal.
The Cubs were interested in signing Bregman last offseason before the Boston Red Sox swooped him up and signed him to a three-year, $120 million deal. One year later, the North Siders have finally landed the star infielder.
They reportedly outbid the Red Sox for Bregman, and this signing puts Chicago extremely close to the luxury tax. Prior to signing Bregman, the Cubs were $35.2 million below the first luxury tax threshold (according to Spotrac).
However, it appears the Cubs were ready to go all-in and add an impactful bat.
Chicago has signed Bregman through the 2030 season, and he is set to stay through the end of his contract. Insider Bob Nightengale reported that the veteran third baseman has a no-trade clause and no opt-outs included in his five-year deal.
Getting Bregman is a big-time move for the Cubs. He immediately elevates Chicago’s offense and firmly replaces Kyle Tucker atop the order.
Bregman’s overall numbers were a bit down last year, but that had to do with a quad strain that he suffered in late May. Still, he hit .273 on the year with 18 home runs, 28 doubles, and 62 RBI across 114 games in Boston.
The Cubs are getting an all-around solid hitter in Bregman. He has hit at least 23 home runs in three of the past four seasons and has hit over .255 in four consecutive years. The three-time All-Star has also finished with at least a 3.5 WAR in four straight seasons.
The addition of Bregman does complicate things for Matt Shaw moving forward. With the veteran set to be the primary third baseman for the Cubs for the next five years, Shaw could have more of a reserve role in 2026.
But the Cubs certainly believe that Bregman’s all-around game could help them get back to the World Series. He is a really poised hitter and has a solid glove at the hot corner. Back in 2024, he won a Gold Glove for his play at third base.
After landing Cabrera in a trade on Wednesday and signing Bregman on Saturday evening, the Cubs were busy this week to improve the team. These additions certainly make them the favorite to win the National League Central and make this a successful offseason.