Sources: Alex Bregman agrees to 5-year, $175M deal with Cubs - ESPN

Third baseman Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a five-year, $175 million contract Saturday, sources told ESPN, as the three-time All-Star joins the club one year after its failed pursuit of him in free agency.

Bregman, 31, opted out of a $40 million player option with the Boston Red Sox to hit free agency again after his first foray as a free agent last year. And though the Cubs fell short in landing him in 2025, they offered Bregman a club-record $35 million a year to secure his services in 2026, sources told ESPN.

The deal, which has no opt-outs, includes a full no-trade clause, sources said.

Bregman got off to a fast start in Boston last season, hitting .299/.385/.553 with 11 home runs and 35 RBIs before suffering a quad injury that sidelined him from May 24 to July 11. He was praised for his veteran leadership on a young Red Sox team that lost in three games to the New York Yankees in the American League wild-card series.

Despite the Cubs returning all four infielders from a team that won 92 games and finished second in the National League Central, they stepped up their pursuit of Bregman in recent weeks and awarded him one of the largest contracts in franchise history.

Chicago will likely consider trading either Gold Glove-winning second baseman Nico Hoerner or third baseman Matt Shaw to make room for Bregman. Hoerner is a free agent after this season, but Shaw likely would bring a larger return package because of his six years of club control. The Cubs also could keep both in addition to Bregman.

The Cubs' pursuit of Bregman was because of his leadership traits and pull-happy offensive approach that should fit well at Wrigley Field. As the Cubs try to remain competitive in a loaded National League this