Alex Bregman leaving Red Sox after one season, signing a five-year, $175 million deal with Cubs (report)
Bregman heads to Chicago after spending one season with the Red Sox.
Alex Bregman’s time in Boston is officially over.
The All-Star third baseman has agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and The New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The deal includes no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause, and its $35 million average annual value is the largest in Cubs franchise history.
Bregman’s departure leaves a significant hole in the Red Sox lineup just weeks before spring training.
After opting out of his contract following the 2025 season, Bregman was widely expected to be one of Boston’s top priorities this offseason. Last February, he signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox and quickly became a central figure both on and off the field.
At Fenway Fest on Saturday, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow declined to speak in specifics about the club’s pursuit of Bregman but reiterated his admiration for the veteran infielder.
“I’m going to be very careful in how I talk about any individual pursuit,” Breslow said. “We saw the impact that Alex had last year — on the field, in the clubhouse, in the community — and he’s someone that fits our team really well.”
Manager Alex Cora echoed those sentiments, suggesting the organization had done what it could to retain him.
“You’ve got to ask him,” Cora said. “The ball is in his court.”
Red Sox players also made it clear they hoped Bregman would return. Top prospect Roman Anthony spoke glowingly about the veteran’s influence.
“I would love to have him back. I love Breggy,” Anthony said. “He was a huge part of my success and a lot of the young guys. Selfishly, I’d love for him to be hitting behind me for as long as he can.”
Ultimately, Boston was outbid. According to MassLive’s Chris Cotillo, the Red Sox were willing to go to five years but could not match Chicago’s offer.
Bregman, who turns 32 on March 30, got off to a strong start in Boston last season, batting .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs before a quad injury sidelined him from May 24 through July 11. He was widely praised for his leadership on a young Red Sox team that reached the American League Wild Card before being eliminated by the Yankees.
Now, Bregman heads to Chicago to anchor the hot corner for a Cubs team coming off an aggressive offseason that included the acquisition of right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera from the Marlins.
Chicago struggled mightily at third base last season. Cubs third basemen ranked 29th in OPS (.621) and 27th in home runs (11), with rookie Matt Shaw posting a .226 average and below-league-average production. Bregman immediately upgrades the position while providing a veteran presence for a club looking to take the next step.
For Boston, the focus now shifts to how the front office plans to replace one of the lineup’s most consistent and respected bats.
