The Chicago Cubs’ efforts to land Alex Bregman ended Wednesday when the third baseman agreed to a three-year, $120 million contract with the Boston Red Sox. The deal includes opt-outs and deferred money, bringing its present-day value to $90 million, according to ESPN’s Buster Olney.
The deferrals on the Alex Bregman deal are significant — the present-day value of his contract is expected to be assessed in the range of $90 million for three years.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 13, 2025
Speaking to reporters, Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer revealed details of their unsuccessful pursuit. The Athletic’s Patrick Mooney reports Chicago offered a four-year, $115 million package with opt-outs after the second and third seasons.
“No,” Hoyer responded when asked if the Cubs were ever close to signing Bregman. “The Red Sox got a great player. They were aggressive. Kudos to them.”
The Cubs weren’t alone in missing out on the two-time World Series champion. The Detroit Tigers, coming off a surprising playoff appearance, reportedly offered Bregman a six-year, $171 million deal. Even the Houston Astros couldn’t retain their star, who turned down their six-year, $156 million extension offer.
“It’s free agency. Ultimately, they got a deal in structure and amount that we couldn’t match. But that’s just the nature of it,” Hoyer said, via The Athletic. “I’m thankful that I was able to pursue it. It was a really good opportunity. And now we move forward.”
While Hoyer expressed disappointment in not landing Bregman, the Cubs have remained active this offseason. They’ve already acquired All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and reliever Ryan Pressly from the Astros in separate trades, while also adding starter Matthew Boyd.
With Bregman heading to Boston, the Cubs may now turn their attention to Justin Turner to fill their vacancy at third base.