Alex Bregman is donning a new number for the Cubs this coming season — changing it to something he has his sights on with his new club.
Bregman, who signed a five-year, $175 million deal with the Cubs on Saturday, will be wearing No. 3 in Chicago, citing his aspirations for winning a third World Series title.
“I wore No. 3 because I want a third championship,” Bregman told reporters during his introductory press conference with the Cubs on Thursday.
The 31-year-old already has two World Series championships under his belt as he played a key role on the Astros’ 2017 and 2022 title teams.
Bregman has worn No. 2 for the entirety of his 10-year MLB career, which he selected for being chosen second overall in the 2015 MLB Draft — behind now-teammate Dansby Swanson.
The three-time All-Star’s contract will reportedly have $70 million in deferments over the course of the deal.
During the press conference, Bregman also opened up about why he opted to sign with Chicago and the importance of the deal having a no-trade clause.
“Being able to be in a place that offered stability and a place that showed how much they cared about what was important to me was super-important to myself and my family,” Bregman said. “I have a young family. We can’t wait to raise our kids here in Chicago.”
Chicago ultimately beat out the Red Sox — who reportedly offered Bregman a five-year, $165 million contract — with the no-trade clause being one of the reasons why the third baseman opted for the Cubs.
“A lot of it was really that I gave Alex and [wife] Reagan a, ‘Hey, this is what one team is offering and what another team is offering, what do you think?’” Bregman’s agent, Scott Boras, told Masslive.com. “The no-trade clause was important, and being able to assure he’s going to be in one city.”
Bregman, who signed a short-term deal with opt outs the Red Sox ahead of last season, posted a slash line of .273/.360/.462 with 28 doubles and 18 home runs across 114 games in 2025, with a right quad strain early on in the season causing him to miss roughly two months.
