How does Alex Bregman’s contract compare to other large deals in Chicago Cubs history?

Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million contract is expected to be the third-largest deal in Cubs history by total value, behind Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million contract and Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million deal, while setting a franchise record for average annual value at $35 million per year.

What are the main contract details of Alex Bregman’s deal with the Cubs beyond the total value and years?

In addition to the five-year, $175 million guarantee, Bregman’s contract reportedly includes a full no-trade clause, no opt-outs, and significant deferred money that reduces the deal’s present-day value and lowers the Cubs’ annual luxury-tax charge compared with a straight $35 million-per-year structure.

Why did Alex Bregman become a free agent again after signing with the Boston Red Sox last offseason?

Bregman became a free agent again because his three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox included an opt-out that allowed him to forgo a $40 million player option and re-enter free agency after the 2025 season, which he exercised following a strong year in Boston.

How might Bregman’s arrival affect the Cubs’ infield alignment and Matt Shaw’s role?

Bregman is expected to take over at third base, joining Dansby Swanson at shortstop, Nico Hoerner at second, and Michael Busch at first, which could push Matt Shaw into a super-utility role covering multiple infield spots or make him a trade candidate as the Cubs evaluate how to best use their infield depth.

What impact does Bregman’s signing have on the Cubs’ payroll and luxury-tax situation for 2026?

Bregman’s deal is projected to raise the Cubs’ 2026 payroll to around $231 million and push their competitive balance tax payroll to roughly $243 million, putting them near or over the first luxury-tax threshold after they stayed below it in 2025.

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1M ago

Alex Bregman Agrees to Five-Year, $175 Million Deal with Chicago Cubs

All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman agreed to a five-year $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs, including a full no-trade clause, sources reported on Saturday.

Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

Alex Bregman, a three-time All-Star, agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract with the Chicago Cubs; the deal includes a full no-trade clause and is pending a physical.

Bregman had signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox last offseason that included opt-outs; he re-entered free agency after testing the market again.

The signing follows the Cubs recent acquisition of right-hander Edward Cabrera and represents a significant offensive addition as the team builds on last years playoff return.

Matt Shaws demonstrated defensive growth and ability to play second base gives the Cubs roster flexibility; Bregmans arrival could create a super-utility role or prompt more moves.

Bregman, 31, missed time last season with a quadriceps strain but still posted an .822 OPS and earned All-Star honors; he previously won World Series titles with the Astros.

Written using shared reports from

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame the signing as a decisive, positive turnaround for the Cubs, using celebratory terms ("boost," "major splashes," "narrative has completely flipped"), prioritizing team-executive perspectives and roster-optimization angles while omitting skeptical takes about cost or long-term fit. Direct quotes from Jed Hoyer are source content, not editorial framing.

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Cubs, Alex Bregman agree to 5-year, $175 million deal

Chicago Sun-Times•1M ago

All-Star 3B Alex Bregman agrees to a $175 million, 5-year contract with the Cubs, AP sources say

Associated Press•1M ago

Alex Bregman set for Chicago Cubs move on five-year deal worth $175m

The Guardian•1M ago

FAQ

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: Alex Bregman’s five-year, $175 million contract is expected to be the third-largest deal in Cubs history by total value, behind Jason Heyward’s eight-year, $184 million contract and Dansby Swanson’s seven-year, $177 million deal, while setting a franchise record for average annual value at $35 million per year.
Sources:
MLB.com
: In addition to the five-year, $175 million guarantee, Bregman’s contract reportedly includes a full no-trade clause, no opt-outs, and significant deferred money that reduces the deal’s present-day value and lowers the Cubs’ annual luxury-tax charge compared with a straight $35 million-per-year structure.
Sources:
NESN
: Bregman became a free agent again because his three-year, $120 million contract with the Red Sox included an opt-out that allowed him to forgo a $40 million player option and re-enter free agency after the 2025 season, which he exercised following a strong year in Boston.
Sources:
ESPN
: Bregman is expected to take over at third base, joining Dansby Swanson at shortstop, Nico Hoerner at second, and Michael Busch at first, which could push Matt Shaw into a super-utility role covering multiple infield spots or make him a trade candidate as the Cubs evaluate how to best use their infield depth.
Sources:
MLB.com
: Bregman’s deal is projected to raise the Cubs’ 2026 payroll to around $231 million and push their competitive balance tax payroll to roughly $243 million, putting them near or over the first luxury-tax threshold after they stayed below it in 2025.
Sources:
MLB Trade Rumors

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