The Chicago Cubs have reportedly snagged All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman with a hefty $175 million deal over five years, per The Associated Press sources who remained under the veil of anonymity. Details emerged Saturday night hinting at the contract's completion, hinging only on a successful physical. Added into Bregman’s fresh contract is a no-trade clause that essentially gives him veto power over potential future trades.
Before circling back to the Cubs, Bregman flirted with the free-agent market following a stint with the Boston Red Sox, opting out of a $120 million, three-year contract inked last February. The seasoned pro, who turns 32 come March, punched in a .273 batting average during his tenure in Boston, belting out 18 homers and 62 RBIs across 114 games, according to figures reported by FOX 32 Chicago. It was his fewest number of games since 2021, as June saw him benched due to a quadriceps injury.
Bregman's history with the Houston Astros is well-documented, with two World Series titles to his name. His tenure wasn't without controversy, however, as the 2017 title was marred by a sign-stealing scandal that left Bregman and his cohorts on the receiving end of harsh criticism. Upon his move to the Red Sox, the Gold Glove winner instigated a chain of events that saw Rafael Devers, the then-All-Star third baseman for Boston, relegated to a DH role before being traded to San Francisco.
On the Cubs' side of the diamond, last season saw rookie Matt Shaw stationed at third base, delivering solid defense and notching a .226 average with 13 homers, 44 RBIs, and 17 steals over 126 games. The team, finishing second in the NL Central with a record of 92-70, faced off in the playoffs for the first time since 2020 before being routed by Milwaukee in the Division Series. With Bregman’s arrival, whispers are already circulating about possible moves for the Cubs to sort their infield, as Shaw stashed his ability to play second base, competing with Nico Hoerner, a two-time Gold Glove recipient at the position.
This move to scoop up Bregman isn't the Cubs' only notable effort in the offseason; they traded for the right-hander Edward Cabrera, a deal with the Miami Marlins announced just days before. The Cubs' front office clearly isn't shying away from shaking things up and spending big to bring home a winning team, as first noted by ESPN when they broke the news of Bregman's agreement with the Cubs.
