Late Night Deal Sees Alex Bregman Bolt Red Sox for NL Club

From one iconic ballpark to another. Sought-after free agent Alex Bregman has decided to take his talents from Fenway Park to Wrigley Field, signing a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs.

Breaking: Third baseman Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a five-year, $175M contract, sources tell @JeffPassan.

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— ESPN (@espn) January 11, 2026

It's the largest average annual deal in franchise history, at $35 million per season. Bregman had opted out of the final two years and $80M of his deal signed last offseason with the Boston Red Sox. The news is devastating for the BoSox, who had made re-signing him a priority this winter. They will likely pivot in a strong way to try to land Bo Bichette.

Reports say that Boston offered Bregman a five-year deal at a competitive AAV, but not up to the Cubs' number. In addition, says Chris Cotillo, there were two other sticking points: a lack of a no-trade clause and a deferral schedule that stretched out for "decades."

The Red Sox believed they were going to land Bregman with their 5-year, $165 million offer. Including his ‘25 deal, they would’ve paid him $205m over six years, w deferrals. Real disappointment in the organization today.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) January 11, 2026

As for the Cubs, they bring in a valued leader, on and off the field, and finally some veteran stability and production at third base. The Gold Glove and World Series winner slashed .273/.360/.462 with an .821 OPS, along with 18 home runs in 114 games for the BoSox in 2025.

What happens with the rest of the infield at Wrigley will be something to watch the rest of this offseason. Nico Hoerner has one year remaining on his deal, and the second baseman's name has appeared in some trade rumors. Matt Shaw, who manned third base last year, could move to second if Hoerner is dealt, or could become a utility man in the interim.

It's been a big week for the Cubs, who also made a huge addition to their rotation, landing Edward Cabrera from the Miami Marlins in a huge trade for their top prospect Owen Caissie.