CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs have successfully signed third baseman Alex Bregman to a substantial five-year contract valued at $175 million, as confirmed by sources to ESPN. This marks a significant acquisition for the Cubs, who had previously attempted to secure the three-time All-Star in free agency last year.

Bregman, who will turn 32 on March 30, chose to leave behind a $40 million player option with the Boston Red Sox in favor of testing the free agent market once more. Although the Cubs’ pursuit fell short in 2025, they have now sealed the deal by offering Bregman an impressive $35 million annually, setting a new club record, sources revealed to ESPN.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The terms of Bregman’s contract reportedly include a full no-trade clause and do not offer any opt-out options.

Last season in Boston, Bregman made a strong impression with a batting average of .299, an on-base percentage of .385, and a slugging percentage of .553, alongside 11 home runs and 35 RBIs. His season was interrupted by a quad injury from late May to mid-July. Off the field, he was commended for providing valuable leadership to a youthful Red Sox squad that ultimately fell to the New York Yankees in the American League wild card series.

Despite the Cubs already having a solid infield lineup that contributed to a 92-win season and a second-place finish in the National League Central, they intensified their efforts to acquire Bregman in recent weeks. This resulted in one of the most lucrative contracts in the team’s history.

Chicago will consider trading either Gold Glove-winning second baseman Nico Hoerner or third baseman Matt Shaw — Hoerner is a free agent after this season, while Shaw likelier would bring a larger return package because of his six years of club control — to make room for Bregman’s arrival. The Cubs also could keep both in addition to Bregman.

The Cubs’ fascination with Bregman had as much to do with his leadership traits as it does his pull-happy offensive approach that should fit well at Wrigley Field. As the Cubs try to remain competitive in a loaded NL this season and beyond, they’ll turn to Bregman — who is renowned for his baseball IQ, interpersonal skills and work ethic — to help shepherd them.

The Cubs this week traded for right-hander Edward Cabrera, giving up top outfield prospect Owen Caissie and solidifying a rotation without an ace but with plenty of live arms. With Hoerner, outfielders Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, and starters Shota Imanaga and Jameson Taillon all set to reach free agency after this season, Bregman and shortstop Dansby Swanson (signed through 2029) represent the only long-term commitments on Chicago’s books.

While Bregman’s offensive abilities peaked when he finished as runner-up for AL MVP in 2019, he remains a consistent presence in the middle of a lineup with plenty of power.

After declining Boston’s $22.025 million qualifying offer, Bregman hit free agency hoping to secure the long-term deal that he did not land last winter. Boston, which had spent much of the winter prioritizing Bregman, will receive a compensatory draft pick after the fourth round for his signing with Chicago.

Following nine years with the Houston Astros, who drafted Bregman with the second overall pick in 2015, he was a late arrival to Red Sox camp last year and made immediate impacts on the field and among the young, talented players arriving to Boston from the minor leagues. By the end of the season, he hit .273/.360/.462 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games.

Over his 10-year career, Bregman has slashed .272/.365/.481 with 209 home runs and 725 RBIs, winning two World Series titles and making seven straight AL Championship Series appearances. During his time with the Astros, Bregman compiled 34.2 FanGraphs wins above replacement, the eighth most among all position players.