Alex Bregman introduced himself to Chicago Cubs fans on Thursday with a definitive statement.
“I’m a winning baseball player,” he said at Wrigley Field after putting on his new No. 3 jersey for the first time.
The Red Sox learned that last season when Bregman helped lead the team to its first winning record and first postseason berth since 2021. But the Sox let Bregman get away to the Cubs, meeting his financial demands but refusing his request for a full no-trade clause and a more favorable schedule for deferred salary payments.
The Cubs moved quickly and landed Bregman for five years and $175 million on Saturday. The deal included no-trade rights.
“I couldn’t be happier to bring Alex to Chicago,” president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said.
Bregman turns 32 in March, and this contract could be his final one. With Chicago his third team in as many years, the no-trade clause was a deal-breaker.
“The two most important things to me are my family and winning baseball games,” he said. “From the beginning of the offseason, the Cubs expressed to me that they wanted me to be here, and they were committed to that and committed to my family.
“I cannot wait to get to work with all the guys on the team and in that clubhouse. Hopefully we can win a lot of baseball games and build something really special for a long time together.”
Bregman hit .272 with an .846 OPS, 18 home runs, and 62 RBIs last season for the Red Sox. He took to Instagram on Wednesday night and posted a photo from last season of him wearing the yellow and blue City Connect jersey.
“To 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 in the caption. “You welcomed my family with open arms and we will always be grateful for the support you gave us. To my teammates, coaches, AC [manager Alex Cora], it was an absolute honor. Alex.”
Bregman has attended Blackhawks and Bulls games at the United Center since agreeing to his new contract and plans to be at Soldier Field for the Rams-Bears playoff game on Sunday.
“The reaction from fans has been awesome. I feel like there is an excitement in the air about Cubs baseball, and I can’t wait to get after it and get out there on the field and play for them,” Bregman said.
The Cubs deferred $70 million of Bregman’s contract. Those payments will made yearly from 2034-41.
Bregman has worn No. 2 throughout his career. Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner has had that number since he made his debut in 2019. Bregman didn’t ask Hoerner to change, saying he wanted No. 3 to signify his wanting a third championship in his career. He won with the Astros in 2017 and ’22.
Bregman also revealed that he would play for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. He was last a member of Team USA in 2017, when it won the championship.
Hoyer referred to Bregman as an “incredible teammate” who already has started to ask the Cubs questions about how he could help other players improve.
“Within two days of signing, he had asked for reports on every player and what they’re working on to make sure that he was talking about the right things with those players,” Hoyer said.
“He asked for a meeting with all the minor league staff that’s in Arizona to talk about hitting philosophy to make sure he was talking about the right things. He has already called almost all of our players to talk to them.”
Agent Scott Boras referred to Bregman as having a “library” of knowledge to help his teammates.
“When you bring in a champion, you know where to go,” he said.
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