The Chicago Cubs have made a major splash in the free agent market, securing star third baseman Alex Bregman on a five-year, $175 million contract, according to a source. The deal, which was first reported on Monday, represents a significant commitment from the Cubs’ front office as they aim to return to contention in the National League Central. Bregman, a two-time All-Star and World Series champion with the Houston Astros, immediately becomes the centerpiece of Chicago’s offensive rebuild, addressing a clear need for a proven, middle-of-the-order hitter.
This move comes after weeks of speculation linking Alex Bregman to the Cubs, with reports from insiders like Ken Rosenthal suggesting the veteran infielder was the team’s “main target” this offseason. The Cubs’ pursuit was persistent, outlasting interest from other clubs, including the Boston Red Sox. Red Sox manager Alex Cora had publicly expressed a desire to reunite with Bregman, his former player in Houston, sending a six-word message amid Boston’s pursuit, but ultimately, the Cubs’ offer and vision won out. The signing shifts the landscape of the offseason, taking one of the premier bats off the board.
For the Cubs, led by President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer, the acquisition of Alex Bregman is a statement of intent. The team had already addressed its pitching staff earlier in the offseason but faced mounting pressure from fans and analysts to add a premier hitter. “Okay, Jed Hoyer: Now sign a top hitter,” became a common refrain, which the executive has now answered decisively. Bregman brings a career .274 average, power, and elite plate discipline to Wrigley Field, providing protection for existing hitters and dramatically lengthening the lineup.
The agreement between the Cubs and Bregman concludes one of the winter’s most watched free-agent sagas. His connection to the Cubs had been a dominant theme in baseball circles, with search interest for terms like “alex bregman cubs” spiking as rumors intensified. The contract’s average annual value of $35 million reflects his status as one of the game’s most consistent performers. With Bregman now in the fold, the Cubs project as a much more formidable opponent in 2025, signaling their readiness to challenge the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals for division supremacy.