Alex Bregman was unveiled as a new member of the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday, immediately drawing attention with his decision to wear a different jersey number. Known for his achievements with the Houston Astros, where he earned two World Series titles, and as an All-Star with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, Bregman will now don a new number while playing third base for the Cubs this season.
Throughout his Major League career, Bregman consistently wore No. 2, a number chosen because he was the second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, taken one spot behind his new Cubs teammate Dansby Swanson. Despite speculation that Bregman might request his teammate Nico Hoerner to give up his number, Bregman decided not to approach Hoerner, as he had a different plan in mind for his jersey.
The Significance Behind Selecting Number 3
Bregman explained the reasoning behind his new number succinctly, stating,
“I wore number three because I wanted a third championship,”
highlighting his ambition to add another World Series title to his career. Cubs supporters would welcome this goal enthusiastically, especially as the team commemorates ten years since their last championship in 2016, an event that will be celebrated at the Cubs Convention in Chicago this weekend.
Bregman’s Upcoming Plans and Community Engagement
Beyond the jersey reveal and Cubs Convention, Bregman has actively engaged with Chicago’s sports community. He plans to attend Sunday’s Chicago Bears game at Soldier Field and previously attended a Chicago Blackhawks game, where the crowd gave him a standing ovation after his signing was announced. These appearances indicate Bregman’s commitment to embracing his new city and its sports culture.
Preparations for the Season and International Competition
The Chicago Cubs and Bregman are scheduled to report to spring training in Arizona by mid-February, with the team’s first full-squad workout planned for February 16. Following spring training, Bregman will join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, where he will reunite with fellow Cubs player Pete Crow-Armstrong on the international stage.
