The Chicago Cubs officially signed Alex Bregman to a lucrative five-year contract valued at $175 million US as of Wednesday. Bregman, a standout third baseman, will be unveiled by the Cubs at a press conference scheduled for Thursday at Wrigley Field. To accommodate Nico Hoerner, who currently wears No. 2 for the Cubs, Bregman will be switching to No. 3.
As part of the agreement, Chicago has agreed to defer $70 million, which represents 40 percent of the total contract value. Bregman will be receiving an annual salary of $35 million, with $15 million deferred for both the current year and 2029, $10 million each in 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 the financial terms, Bregman’s contract includes a full no-trade clause and a hotel suite during road trips. The 32-year-old Bregman, who had previously signed a three-year $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox last February, was a sought-after player by the Cubs before making his decision.
During his stint with the Red Sox, Bregman posted a batting average of .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in one season. His time in Boston was marred by a quadriceps injury that sidelined him for the entirety of June. Bregman’s contract with the Cubs grants him the ability to veto any trade without his approval.
Having been selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Houston Astros in the 2015 amateur draft, Bregman spent nine seasons with the Astros, winning World Series titles in 2017 and 2022 amidst the infamous sign-stealing scandal that brought scrutiny upon him and his teammates.
The Cubs, who finished second in the National League Central last season with a 92-70 record, are looking to bolster their infield with Bregman’s arrival. Matt Shaw, who excelled at third base last season, may transition into a super-utility role to accommodate Bregman, who brings a wealth of experience and talent to the team.