CHICAGO -- Alex Bregman has two titles to his name, and in his mind, he's not done winning.
Asked why he picked No. 3 after wearing No. 2 throughout this big league career, the new Cubs third baseman said in his introductory news conference Thursday that, "I wore No. 3 because I wanted a third championship."
The Cubs’ front office has admired Bregman from afar for multiple seasons -- both in terms of what he provides on the field, but also for his reputation behind the scenes. For a team hoping to advance deeper into October than last fall, landing the third baseman was one of this offseason’s goals.
Bregman arrived at Wrigley Field as the newest member of a team aiming to build off its trip to the National League Division Series last year.
"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.
The Cubs signed the 31-year-old Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract, including $70 million in deferments, sources told MLB.com. He will take over at third, alongside shortstop Dansby Swanson, who helped Chicago build to its current era of contention when he signed a seven-year, $177 million deal prior to ‘23.
Bregman is a three-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion and one-time Gold Glove winner who immediately helps a roster that saw star outfielder Kyle Tucker hit free agency this winter. While the North Siders made the playoffs via a Wild Card berth last season, the ballclub should be aiming for a division crown this year.
Adding Bregman serves as the exclamation point to a busy winter for the Cubs, too.
Prior to signing Bregman to his blockbuster deal, Chicago addressed the rotation by landing hard-throwing righty Edward Cabrera from the Marlins for three prospects (including Top 100 outfielder Owen Caissie). The Cubs also overhauled the bullpen, adding four new arms (highlighted by a two-year deal for Phil Maton) on MLB deals.
Bregman -- picked second overall in the 2015 Draft, one slot behind Swanson -- has spent parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues (nine with the Astros and one with the Red Sox). He has 209 career homers, plus 293 doubles, 725 RBIs, an .846 OPS and four seasons in which he posted more walks than strikeouts.