Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to 5-Year, $175M Deal -

"We told you the Cubs were still involved in conversations with Bo Bichette and Alex Bregman, but very few wanted to listen. Those who did - and those who didn't - were rewarded Saturday night when Jeff Passan broke the news that the Cubs had signed Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal. While I have personally been somewhat dismissive of Bregman's potential impact, this is a baller-ass move that immediately elevates the Cubs into the upper tier of contention."

"Ed. note: Passan further reported that the deal has no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause. Jed Hoyer just issued a hearty FU to everyone who doubted his intestinal fortitude, present company included. The fact that this news dropped during the fourth quarter of the Bears/Packers game is cruel, especially since I was just at a Vanilla Ice concert earlier in the evening. Yes, you read that right."

"We'll have more on this move and all the details around it, plus what it means for the Cubs moving forward, but it's clear Tom Ricketts got comfortable with going over the CBT penalty. The Cubs had a little over $31 million in room below the first tier, so Bregman's $35 million AAV puts them over. This isn't a tacit indication that they're willing to push their chips in, it's a declaration that the Cubs are here to win the NL Central and much more."

The Chicago Cubs signed Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million contract with no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause. The acquisition elevates the team's lineup and immediately places the Cubs among the upper tier of NL contenders. The $35 million average annual value pushes the payroll over the Competitive Balance Tax first-tier threshold, leaving the organization willing to incur CBT penalties. General manager Jed Hoyer demonstrated decisive commitment to winning by executing the high-impact signing. The roster and payroll moves set higher expectations for the season and increase fan excitement heading into team events and the campaign.

Read at Cubsinsider