Alex Bregman thanks Boston Red Sox for ‘honor’ of playing there before choosing five-year Chicago Cubs’ $175 million dollar contract

After signing with the Cubs, Bregman took to Instagram to post a photo along with a touching message expressing his gratitude to the Red Sox organization and the city of Boston. "It was an honor to play for a city that shares the same passion and love for the game as I do," Bregman wrote.

"You welcomed my family with open arms and we will always be grateful for the support you gave us." This goodbye followed Bregman's one-season stint with the Red Sox, where he had established himself as an important veteran figure in the clubhouse.

Alex Bregman’s new contract with the Chicago Cubs

Bregman signed a five-year contract worth $175 million with the Chicago Cubs on January 10, 2026, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. This deal has an average annual value of $35 million and comes with a complete no-trade clause, without any opt-out options.

It includes $70 million in deferrals, bringing the current value down to around $150 million to $155 million, as per sources familiar with the details.The Cubs made the contract announcement on January 14, 2026. This deal ranks as the third-largest in Cubs history by total value, following Jason Heyward's eight-year, $184 million contract from 2015 and Dansby Swanson's seven-year, $177 million agreement from 2022.

Alex Bregman's career background and path to free agency

Bregman, a 31-year-old guy from Albuquerque, New Mexico, kicked off his MLB career with the Houston Astros, playing there for nine seasons from 2016 to 2024. During his time with the Astros, he snagged World Series titles in 2017 and 2022.After wrapping up the 2024 season, he inked a three-year, $120 million deal with the Boston Red Sox, which had opt-out options after the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Bregman decided to opt-out after the 2025 season, jumping into free agency even though he could have made more money annually by sticking with Boston.

Ultimately, he went with the Cubs' offer for better long-term stability.In 2025, Bregman took the field for 114 games with the Red Sox, boasting a batting average of .273 along with 18 home runs and 62 RBIs. That year, he made his third All-Star appearance, but he did miss some games due to a quad injury.He was placed on the 10-day injured list starting May 24, 2025, and was activated again on July 11, 2025. His performance included an .822 OPS and strong defensive skills at third base.

The Red Sox's efforts to retain Alex Bregman

The Red Sox extended a five-year, $165 million proposal to Bregman, featuring significant deferrals but lacking a no-trade clause, consistent with the team's policy.

As reported by ESPN's Buster Olney, the Red Sox thought this offer would guarantee his return, and the organization felt genuine disappointment when he opted for the Cubs. In an email interview with MassLive, Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow mentioned that, "Any time you are active in trying to bring a player in, it's disappointing to lose out."With Bregman joining the team, the Cubs are looking to capitalize on their success from 2025. As a three-time All-Star and a proven winner, he adds offensive strength and leadership to a squad that has high hopes for the 2026 season.Also Read: New York Mets likely expanded their offer to four years as Steve Cohen became directly involved in Kyle Tucker negotiations