Jersey number superstition! Bregman dons Cubs' No. 3, declaring "Here for the third championship."

At today’s signing press conference, star third baseman Alex Bregman appeared at Wrigley Field wearing his new Chicago Cubs jersey, prominently displaying the number "3." The new recruit revealed the reason behind choosing this number: "I picked number 3 because I want my third championship ring."

Bregman’s choice of jersey numbers has always reflected the narrative of his career: in college, he wore number 30 to remind himself of being passed over by all teams in the first round of the 2012 MLB draft; during the past decade in the majors, he wore number 2, symbolizing his second overall pick status in the 2015 draft (with Dansby Swanson taken first). This strong self-motivation, present since his amateur days, is precisely what Cubs baseball operations president Jed Hoyer has admired for years.

"Everyone around me knows Bregman has been a player I’ve long desired," Hoyer admitted, "and everyone who has worked with him—from college to the minors to two major league teams—praises him as an incredible teammate who focuses daily on winning for the team."

The 31-year-old Bregman signed a five-year, $175 million contract with the Cubs (including $70 million in deferred salary). He will anchor third base, joining Dansby Swanson, who signed a seven-year, $177 million deal in 2023, to form the left side of the infield. This three-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and Gold Glove winner will fill the gap left by outfielder Kyle Tucker entering free agency.

"The two most important things to me are family and winning," Bregman said. "From the start of the offseason, the Cubs made it clear they wanted me—not only investing in the team but also caring about my family. I can’t wait to fight alongside all my teammates in the clubhouse."

In fact, the Cubs pursued Bregman last year, but he signed a three-year, $120 million deal with the Red Sox (including an opt-out clause after the 2025 season). When Bregman re-entered the market this winter, Hoyer immediately reopened negotiations and finalized the signing last Sunday. Interestingly, the agreement came during the third quarter of the playoff game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Bregman joked, "I said, ‘There are two possible outcomes, but I hope the Bears come back.’" Ultimately, the Bears completed a stunning comeback, giving Chicago sports fans a day of double celebration.

After signing, Bregman and his wife not only chatted about the future with Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon in Arizona but he also proactively reached out to Swanson and quickly embraced the team culture. Hoyer revealed that Bregman requested teammates’ training reports even before officially reporting and took the initiative to meet with the hitting development staff to discuss tactical philosophy. "In just four or five days as a Cub, he has done countless things no one asked for," Hoyer remarked, "He’s thinking beyond his own training to how he fits into the entire team."

Thus, Bregman’s jersey number story has written a new chapter: from 30 (a reminder of draft disappointment) to 2 (confidence from being the second pick) and now to 3 (a declaration for a third championship). The Cubs’ offseason reinforcements have also been impressive—besides Bregman, the team acquired hard-throwing right-hander Edward Cabrera from the Marlins and bolstered the bullpen with four new additions, including a two-year deal with Phil Maton.

Wearing his new uniform, Bregman already feels the anticipation in the Windy City: "I can sense the excitement in Chicago for Cubs baseball, and I’m eager to get out there and compete." The powerful hitter, with 209 career home runs, 293 doubles, and a .846 OPS, now sets his sights on winning his third championship trophy in his career.