Alex Bregman signing with a top NL contender on a massive deal

While the Chicago Bears were busy playing a wild-card playoff game on Saturday night, the Chicago Cubs were making some power moves of their own.

Free agent third baseman Alex Bregman has agreed to sign with the Cubs in free agency, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports. Bregman is joining Chicago on a massive five-year, $175 million contract.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today adds that Bregman’s deal comes with no opt-outs but does have a no-trade clause.

The 31-year-old Bregman, a three-time MLB All-Star, spent last season with the Boston Red Sox. He hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs over 114 games but opted out of his contract with Boston to test free agency for a second consecutive offseason.

Also a two-time World Series champion and a one-time Gold Glover with the Houston Astros, Bregman was widely expected to return to the Red Sox as a free agent this winter. As such, the Cubs have pulled off a real coup in stealing away the righty hitter.

Chicago won 92 games last season but lost to the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS. While they will likely be losing free agent outfielder Kyle Tucker this offseason (possibly to this other MLB contender), the Cubs are opening up their checkbook for Bregman, who is now under contract with them through the 2030 season.