
After just one season in Boston, Alex Bregman is embarking on a new chapter in his career, one that will see him experience some uncharted territory. Bregman expressed his excitement about joining the Chicago Cubs during an introductory press conference on Monday.
Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs with an annual salary of about $35 million. He will now take over as Chicago's new starting third baseman.
But Bregman's reasons for becoming a Cub go beyond just the money. Already a two-time World Series champion from his time with the Houston Astros, Bregman wants to win and believes in the Cubs' commitment to winning another championship.
"In talking with [president of baseball operations] Jed [Hoyer] and [general manager] Carter [Hawkins] throughout this process, I know that the Cubs organization is focused on winning and looking forward to doing that and winning a championship here," Bregman said.
"I'm a winning baseball player and focused on winning."
Alex Bregman is introduced for the first time as a Chicago Cub!
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) January 15, 2026
“I’m a winning baseball player and focused on winning.” pic.twitter.com/xnXlOZGNt5
And unlike some other stars of the past who couldn't handle the high expectations, Bregman is relishing in the opportunity to continue a new era of winning the 2025 team established by getting the Cubs back into the playoffs after a four-year hiatus.
"The city of Chicago loves sports, and they love winning. Hopefully we can win a lot for them."
“The city of Chicago love sports, and they love winning. Hopefully we can win a lot for them.”
— MLB (@MLB) January 15, 2026
Alex Bregman is embracing the Windy City and intends to deliver!
After attending Blackhawks and Bulls games this week, Bregman says he will be in attendance for the Bears Divisional… pic.twitter.com/p2UZk618yx
The addition of Bregman represents bringing in a superstar who has already achieved the goal of many of his teammates twice before.
Bregman revealed a way he will wear the pressure and expirations on his back, literally. The 10-year MLB veteran is switching his number from two to three, signifying his desire to capture a third championship.
ON REPEAT. pic.twitter.com/7ljFFcvYgd
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 15, 2026
A three-time All-Star, Bregman will have to get back to his past level to lead the Cubs to the franchise's first World Series since the 2016 team broke a 108-year title drought. While still productive with the Red Sox, Bregman is coming a season that dipped a bit below his normal standards.
His bWAR was 3.5, his lowest in a season he played at least 100 games. He hit .273 with 18 home runs and 62 RBI, both down from his final years with the Astros.
Bregman's best seasons came in 2018 and 2019. In 2018 he hit .286 with 31 homers and 103 RBI, posting a bWAR of 7.6. He followed that up in 2019 with a .296 average, 41 home runs and 112 RBI with a bWAR of 8.9. He also led the league with 119 walks that season.
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