Image Source: Bob Nightengale
Key Takeaways
- The Chicago Cubs have signed infielder Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million agreement, the richest salary in Cubs’ history.
- The signing is a major coup for the Cubs, who tried to sign Bregman a year ago and have now stolen him away from the Boston Red Sox.
- Bregman’s signing gives the Cubs a wealth of depth in their infield and sets them up as contenders for the NL Central title.
- The Red Sox are now badly in need of Bo Bichette, who is being courted by several teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays.
- The Cubs’ signing of Bregman has major implications for the MLB, with the team now considered a giant in the NL.
Introduction to the Cubs’ Big Signing
The city of Chicago witnessed a historic sports evening on Saturday night, with the Chicago Bears making a remarkable comeback against the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Cubs signing infielder Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million agreement. As Scott Boras, Bregman’s agent, noted, "Big night for Chicago." The signing is a major coup for the Cubs, who tried to sign Bregman a year ago and have now stolen him away from the Boston Red Sox. Boras, who was in the middle of negotiations with the Cubs while the Bears were making their comeback, texted USA TODAY Sports, "I was packing the green in for Breggy with the Cubs."
The Bears’ Comeback and the Cubs’ Signing
The Cubs’ signing of Bregman is a significant move, with the team shelling out the big cash after acquiring Miami Marlins starter Edward Cabrera just three days ago. As Boras noted, "Bears game? I was packing the green in for Breggy with the Cubs." The Cubs, who have been criticized for not making enough moves or spending enough money to make themselves World Series contenders, have now made a major statement. With Bregman on board, the Cubs have got folks in Chicago believing it could be 2016 all over again, the year they won their first World Series since 1908.
Bregman’s Contract and Implications
Bregman’s contract is a franchise-record $35-million-a-year deal with a full no-trade clause and no opt-outs. The only Cubs’ contracts bigger in total value are Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million contract and shortstop Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million contract. Bregman, who turns 32 in March, will now earn $215 million over six years. The signing gives the Cubs a wealth of depth in their infield, with options to either slide Matt Shaw to second base and trade Nico Hoerner or make Shaw a super utility player and keep Hoerner for one more year before he hits free agency.
The Red Sox’ Loss and the NL Landscape
The Red Sox, who badly wanted to bring Bregman back, were runner-up in the negotiations. The Arizona Diamondbacks also had interest in Bregman, but once they decided to retain All-Star second baseman Ketel Marte, they dropped out of the Bregman sweepstakes, leaving the Cubs and Red Sox as the two finalists. Bregman’s signing now leaves the Red Sox badly needing Bo Bichette, who also is being courted by the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. The Cubs, on the other hand, believe they’re set now and can win their first NL Central title in a full season since 2017.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Cubs’ signing of Bregman is a major shake-up in the MLB, with the team now considered a giant in the NL. As Bob Nightengale noted, "Who would have imagined a brutally cold, blustery evening in Chicago could feel so beautiful?" The Cubs’ convention, scheduled for this upcoming weekend, will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their World Series, and the team believes it could be a prelude to an October to remember in 2026. With Bregman on board, the Cubs are set to make a deep run in the playoffs, and their fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/columnist/bob-nightengale/2026/01/11/alex-bregman-signs-chicago-cubs-bears-playoff-win/88127476007/