Shockwaves in Baseball: Alex Bregman’s Blockbuster 5-Year, $175 Million Deal with Cubs Raises Eyebrows Everywhere

Alex Bregman is headed to the Windy City, folks — and it’s a headline worth savoring. The star third baseman has inked a hefty five-year deal with the Chicago Cubs, reportedly worth a staggering $175 million. Now, before the ink’s dry, sources close to the negotiation told The Associated Press the contract hinges on a physical exam, but the terms already reveal a no-trade clause that gives Bregman full control over his future moves. At 31, turning 32 this March, Bregman’s career has been a rollercoaster, including a notable stint with the Boston Red Sox and those memorable years with the Houston Astros, where he tasted World Series glory — and, yes, endured the fallout from the sign-stealing debacle that left a sour taste for many. This signing shakes up the Cubs’ infield landscape, sparking questions about roles for youngsters like Matt Shaw, and possibly hinting at more roster shuffles ahead. The Cub faithful should be buzzing because this isn’t just a contract — it’s a statement. LEARN MORE

CHICAGO — All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to two people familiar with the deal.

The people spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday night on condition of anonymity because the agreement was pending a physical. The contract includes a no-trade provision allowing Bregman to block deals without his consent.

Bregman, who turns 32 in March, was back on the market for a second straight offseason. He also was pursued by the Cubs before he signed a $120 million, three-year contract with Boston last February, with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.

He decided to test free agency again after hitting .273 for the Red Sox with 18 homers and 62 RBIs in 114 games, his fewest since 2021. Bregman missed all of June with a quadriceps injury.

He earned $40 million in his one season with Boston, of which he received $15 million last year. The Red Sox owe him $5 million in January 2028 and $2 million each June from 2035-44.

Bregman played his first nine seasons with the Houston Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 — although the first of those yielded a sign-stealing scandal that earned Bregman and his teammates plenty of scorn.

When the Gold Glove winner joined the Red Sox, they already had All-Star Rafael Devers at third base. Boston asked Devers to move to DH, and the team’s relationship with the slugger soured to the point that Devers was traded to San Francisco in June.

Boston ended up leading the major leagues in errors, but the Red Sox did return to the postseason for the first time in four years. Bregman’s OPS of .822 was his best since 2019, and he earned All-Star honors for a third time.

Chicago finished second in the NL Central last year with a 92-70 record. The Cubs reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020 before getting eliminated by Milwaukee in a five-game Division Series.

The Cubs used Matt Shaw at third base last season, and the rookie played stellar defense while batting .226 with 13 homers, 44 RBIs and 17 steals in 126 games. Shaw also can play second base, but Nico Hoerner is a two-time Gold Glove winner at the position.

There could be another trade on the horizon to clear up the team’s infield situation, or Shaw could move into a super-utility role with Bregman’s arrival.

The addition of Bregman was the second major move by the Cubs in a matter of days. They acquired right-hander Edward Cabrera in a trade with the Miami Marlins on Wednesday.

ESPN was the first to report Bregman’s agreement with the Cubs.