The Chicago Cubs have successfully signed one of the key free agents of the offseason, securing third baseman Alex Bregman for a five-year deal valued at $175 million, as reported by ESPN. The new contract does not feature any opt-out clauses, indicating the team’s commitment to Bregman after he opted out of the final two years and $80 million of his contract with the Boston Red Sox to explore free agency.
Bregman, 31, finished the 2025 season with a batting line of .273/.360/.462, hitting 18 home runs in 114 games, which was impacted by a quad injury. Prior to the injury, he showcased strong form with a .938 OPS over 52 games, but his performance dipped to a .724 OPS in the following 63 games after returning to the diamond. Nevertheless, the Cubs appear confident in his abilities, highlighting his strong defensive track record as an asset.
Ranked as the second-best free agent of the winter by analysts, following only Kyle Tucker, Bregman maintained a remarkable consistency throughout his career, having never recorded a season worse than 15% above the league average. Last season marked a milestone for him as he joined the “90-90 club” with a 90% in-zone contact rate and an average exit velocity of 90 mph. Bregman’s ability to defend effectively at third base further enhances his value, although there is speculation about how his hitting profile might adapt to a new playing environment.
Incorporating Bregman into the Cubs’ roster creates some adjustments, especially for rookie Matt Shaw, who was the primary third baseman last season and had a solid performance, earning recognition as a Gold Glove finalist. The Cubs now face a surplus of infield talent, especially with established players like Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner, the latter attracting significant trade interest as he heads towards free agency after the 2026 season.
This signing comes on the heels of the Cubs’ recent acquisition of right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins, bolstering their pitching rotation, which adds to a series of strategic signings in the bullpen with several low-cost free agents, including Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton.
For the Red Sox, retaining Bregman seemed to be a priority, and bringing back the infielder would have been a straightforward resolution for their offseason strategy. After trading for catcher Willson Contreras to enhance their lineup, Boston is now looking at alternatives to fill the infield void left by Bregman’s departure.
Notably, Bregman was unable to receive a qualifying offer again this offseason after having rejected one previously, which means the Red Sox will not be compensated with a draft pick for his departure, while the Cubs also retain their draft position, further emphasizing the importance of this signing for the team.
Coming off a successful 2026 season where they posted a record of 92-70 and triumphed over the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card Series, the Cubs aim to build on that momentum. Despite being eliminated in the NLDS by the Milwaukee Brewers, the addition of Bregman signals a strong intention to compete vigorously in the upcoming season.