Alex Bregman officially joined the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, motivated by a strong desire to win and support his family. His wife Reagan and sons Knox and Bennett were present as Bregman explained the key reasons behind his free agency decision and proudly wore the number 3 on his new pinstriped jersey.
Bregman said,
“I wore No. 3 because I wanted a third championship,”
revealing his intense focus on adding another World Series title to his résumé. The Cubs made a bold move to secure the All-Star third baseman, signing him to a five-year, $175 million contract that includes a no-trade clause and $70 million in deferred payments, underscoring how much the organization values his presence.
Cubs’ Commitment Reflects Confidence in Bregman’s Talent and Character
Chicago’s president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer emphasized the Cubs’ confidence in Bregman, reflecting on the high level of commitment both on and off the field.
“When you do make a significant commitment to a player, you want to make sure that the person and the player are both at the highest level, and with Alex, we know that,”
Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations.
Hoyer has tracked Bregman’s progress since the infielder was drafted second overall by Houston in 2015, just one pick behind the current Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. Bregman, who will turn 32 in March, spent the past nine seasons with the Houston Astros, earning World Series championships in 2017 and 2022, although the 2017 title came amid controversy due to a sign-stealing scandal.
Bregman’s Previous Contracts and Return to Free Agency
Before joining Chicago, Bregman spent a single season with the Boston Red Sox on a $120 million, three-year contract that featured opt-outs after the first two years. After batting .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs in 114 games last season, Bregman re-entered free agency, reigniting Chicago’s interest.
Hoyer noted the player’s confidence was well known in baseball circles.
“You sort of heard stories about his level of confidence,”
Jed Hoyer, Cubs president of baseball operations.
The Cubs consistently pursued Bregman throughout the offseason and demonstrated dedication not just to the player but to his family, which Bregman acknowledged as a key factor in sealing the deal.
“From the beginning of the offseason, the Cubs expressed to me that they wanted me to be here, and they were committed to that, committed to my family,”
Alex Bregman.
“Yeah, I cannot wait to get to work with all the guys on the team in that clubhouse and hopefully win a lot of baseball games and build something really special for a long time to come.”
Alex Bregman.
Immediate Engagement with the Team and Strong Chemistry
Right after finalizing his contract, Bregman quickly sought information about his new teammates and requested meetings with the minor league staff, showing determination to integrate effectively within the Cubs’ organization. He has already connected with players such as Dansby Swanson, pitcher Jameson Taillon, and outfielders Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
At the Cubs’ upcoming fan convention, Bregman will meet more teammates as he builds relationships ahead of the season.
Describing the atmosphere, Bregman said it had been “fun” and added,
“I feel like you can sense the excitement here not only from the Cubs fans, but also the players. They’re very excited as well, and that’s good.”
Alex Bregman.
Collaboration on International Play and Team Integration
Bregman discussed plans to represent the United States in the World Baseball Classic with Hoyer, who supported his participation. Bregman also committed to arriving early at spring training to spend morning time with the Cubs players, reinforcing his desire to be part of the team culture.
“There’s already been countless examples of things he’s working on that no one’s asked him to do,”
Jed Hoyer.
“I think that’s how he thinks about his role. It’s not just about getting his workouts in. It’s about making sure he’s integrated with the entire team.”
Jed Hoyer.
Team Outlook and Bregman’s Role Within Cubs’ Infield
The Cubs enter the new season buoyed by a 92-win campaign and a Division Series appearance against Milwaukee. Last year, Matt Shaw was the primary third baseman, with Swanson at shortstop, Nico Hoerner at second base, and Michael Busch at first.
Shaw’s versatility as a super-utility player will be valuable to Chicago’s roster depth, especially with Swanson aging into his 30s and Hoerner recovering from surgery in October 2024.
“Matt Shaw’s a really good athlete,”
Jed Hoyer said.
“He hadn’t played much third and was a Gold Glove finalist last year. I have no questions about his defense at any position or his ability to learn something really quickly.”
Jed Hoyer.
The Significance of Bregman’s Signing for the Cubs’ Future
Alex Bregman’s arrival in Chicago represents a clear signal that the Cubs are intensely focused on returning to World Series contention. His combination of experience, leadership, and competitiveness is expected to elevate the infield and infuse a winning mindset throughout the clubhouse. With Bregman aiming for his third championship, the Cubs are positioning themselves to build a lasting and successful team around his talents and commitment.
