The Chicago Cubs pulled off a stunner when, in the middle of the Chicago Bears' wild comeback win over the Green Bay Packers, they signed Alex Bregman to a huge $175 million, five-year deal.
It's a massive signing, as it bolsters the Cubs NL Central odds and also makes them a realistic World Series contender once again.
Coming to Chicago, Bregman has changed his jersey number. He had been wearing No. 2 his entire career, but is switching to No. 3.
As Marquee Sports Network shared, the reason Bregman made this change will fire up Cubs fans.
MORE: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
Alex Bregman changed jersey number for incredible reason
Bregman won two World Series with the Houston Astros.
The reason for his number change is simple: Bregman is now looking to win his third World Series during his Cubs five-year contract.
"Definitely looking forward to it," Bregman said. "No, I didn't talk to him, I just wore number three because I wanted a third championship,"
Alex Bregman on choosing number 3: "I wore number 3 because I wanted a 3rd championship." Pic.twitter.com/jxxSXxEV2S
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) January 15, 2026
The 31-year-old third baseman is a three-time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP, Silver Slugger and Gold Glove award winner in his very impressive MLB career.
While he's not reached the heights he did in 2018 and 2019, when he had 7.6 and 8.9 bWAR, respectively, Bregman has been a consistent player over the last few seasons. He's put up 4.5, 4.9, 4.1 and 3.5 bWAR in each of the last four seasons, with his total last year in Boston being the lowest, though it's in part due to an injury that caused him to play 30 fewer games than his previous low from the last few years.
If Bregman can stay healthy and provide solid offense and defense as he did for the Red Sox in 2025, then the Cubs will have a much better chance of winning the World Series.
He's been there before, and as seen by his decision to change the jersey number that he's worn throughout his Major League career to No. 3, he's even more eager for a World Series than before.
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