Alex Bregman will wear a new jersey number during the upcoming season with the Chicago Cubs, opting for No. 3 as a reflection of his ambition to achieve a third World Series title. The announcement came shortly after signing a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs on Saturday, marking a significant new chapter in his career.
At 31 years old, Bregman is already a two-time World Series champion, having played an essential role in the Houston Astros’ title runs in 2017 and 2022.
Background on Bregman’s Previous Number and Career
Throughout his 10-year Major League Baseball career, Bregman wore No. 2. He originally selected this number to represent his second overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, a draft position just behind his new teammate Dansby Swanson. This decade-long association with No. 2 highlights the personal significance the number held for him before this recent change.
Contract Details and Reasons Behind Signing with Chicago
The contract Bregman signed with the Cubs reportedly includes $70 million in deferments. During his introductory press conference, he emphasized the importance of stability in his decision to join Chicago, along with the team’s commitment to meeting his personal priorities.
“Being able to be in a place that offered stability and a place that showed how much they cared about what was important to me was super-important to myself and my family,”
Bregman remarked.
“I have a young family. We can’t wait to raise our kids here in Chicago.”
Chicago outbid other offers, including a reported five-year, $165 million offer from the Boston Red Sox. One of the crucial factors in Bregman’s commitment was the inclusion of a no-trade clause in the Cubs’ proposal.
“A lot of it was really that I gave Alex and [wife] Reagan a, ‘Hey, this is what one team is offering and what another team is offering, what do you think?’”
said Bregman’s agent Scott Boras.
“The no-trade clause was important, and being able to assure he’s going to be in one city.”
Recent Performance and Health Leading Up to Cubs Signing
Before signing with the Cubs, Bregman spent a season with the Red Sox, where he posted a slash line of .273/.360/.462 over 114 games in 2025. That season included 28 doubles and 18 home runs, although it was partly interrupted by a right quad strain that sidelined him for approximately two months early in the year.
Significance of Number Change and Future Outlook
Bregman’s shift to No. 3 aligns with his focused intention of capturing a third championship, symbolizing both personal motivation and a fresh beginning with the Cubs. By choosing this number, he connects his uniform to his career goals and sets a clear target for the upcoming seasons.
This move, along with the significant financial commitment and securing a no-trade clause, reflects the Cubs’ intent to make Bregman a cornerstone of their franchise. His presence aims to strengthen Chicago’s lineup and veteran leadership as the team pursues future playoff success.
As Bregman settles in Chicago, fans and analysts will closely watch how his experience and skill contribute to the Cubs’ performance, especially given his championship pedigree and recent solid offensive output despite injury setbacks.
