{"id":523313,"date":"2026-01-16T11:14:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T11:14:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/523313\/"},"modified":"2026-01-16T11:14:34","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T11:14:34","slug":"alex-bregman-makes-huge-announcement-after-signing-175-million-contract-with-cubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/523313\/","title":{"rendered":"Alex Bregman makes huge announcement after signing $175 million contract with Cubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alex Bregman<\/a> signed a five-year, $175 million deal to join the Chicago Cubs this MLB offseason. Far from staying quiet after that, the third baseman announced a huge piece of news as well.<\/p>\n

Bregman announced that he will be playing for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic<\/a>. He also appeared in the 2017 World Baseball Classic, where he went 2-for-4 with a walk. He was a bench player back then.<\/p>\n

Since then, Bregman has become a two-time World Series champion, a three-time All-Star, a Gold Glove and a Silver Slugger. In other words, he has become one of the best players in the MLB that signed a massive deal with the Cubs<\/a>. Bregman participating in the World Baseball Classic is a huge boost for Team USA.<\/p>\n

Team USA also has another huge name committing to WBC<\/p>\n

Team USA announced on Thursday that recently-retired pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, will play for them as well. This puts Kershaw on a roster. Tarik Skubal, a Cy Young winner, also referred to his WBC appearance<\/a>. Hence, Team USA could have a massive rotation coming into the tournament.<\/p>\n

\"Clayton<\/p>\n

Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Dodgers<\/p>\n

Paul Skenes, Logan Webb and plenty others have committed already. Even if Japan gets a top-tier rotation with the likes of Shohei Ohtani<\/a> and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Team USA has nothing to envy.<\/p>\n

\"NY<\/p>\n

see also<\/p>\n

NY Yankees former slugger and All-Star might unretire to appear in World Baseball Classic tournament<\/p>\n

<\/a>What does the Team USA roster look like?<\/p>\n

Team USA is looking pretty fine coming into the World Baseball Classic. While teams like Japan and Korea Republic might bring a big challenge, the fact is Team USA is heavily favored to win this edition. This is their roster as of now:<\/p>\n

Catchers: Cal Raleigh, Will SmithFirst Base: Bryce HarperSecond Base: Brice TurangShortstop: Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar HendersonThird Base: Alex Bregman, Ernie ClementOutfielders: Byron Buxton, Corbin Carroll, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Aaron JudgeDesignated Hitter: Kyle SchwarberPitchers: David Bednar, Clay Holmes, Griffin Jax, Clayton Kershaw, Nolan McLean, Mason Miller, Joe Ryan, Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Gabe Speier, Logan Webb\"bruno<\/a><\/p>\n