The Chicago Cubs have officially signed Alex Bregman to a lucrative five-year contract worth $175 million. Bregman, an accomplished third baseman, will be unveiled by Chicago in a press conference at Wrigley Field on Thursday. He will be switching his jersey number to No. 3 to join his new team alongside Nico Hoerner, who currently wears No. 2 for the Cubs.
As part of the deal, Chicago has structured the contract to defer $70 million, which accounts for 40% of the total amount. Bregman’s annual earnings will be $35 million, with $15 million deferred for the current year and 2029, $10 million each for 2027 and 2028, and $20 million in 2030. The deferred payments will be made in eight installments every July 31 from 2034 to 2041.
In addition to his financial terms, Bregman has secured a full no-trade provision and a hotel suite during road trips. The 31-year-old player was previously in negotiations with Chicago before opting for a three-year, $120 million deal with Boston last February. However, his stint with the Red Sox was short-lived, with Bregman now embarking on a new chapter with the Cubs.
Bregman had a productive season with the Red Sox, where he posted a batting average of .273, hitting 18 home runs and driving in 62 runs. Despite missing some games due to injury, he showcased his prowess on the field. His journey to Chicago marks a significant career transition after spending nine seasons with the Houston Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 amidst controversies surrounding the sign-stealing scandal.
The Cubs’ acquisition of Bregman signals a strategic move to bolster their lineup, particularly at third base. With Matt Shaw’s notable performance last season and Nico Hoerner’s defensive prowess at second base, Chicago faces decisions on how to optimize their infield configuration. Whether through trades or positional adjustments, the Cubs are poised to leverage Bregman’s talents to enhance their competitive edge in the upcoming season.