Jed Hoyer just silenced his doubters, finishing the offseason Cubs fans longed for

LOUD NOISES.

I am Ron Burgundy, locked in a telephone box screaming at the top of my lungs. With the Chicago Bears trying to pull off their most unlikely fourth quarter comeback yet, Jeff Passan Passan-bombed us in the best way, reporting the Chicago Cubs' signing of free-agent infielder Alex Bregman to a five-year, $175 million deal.

All winter long, a reunion between Bregman and the Boston Red Sox felt like a foregone conclusion, but instead, he lands with Chicago, a team that deeply coveted him last winter. This time around, they get the job done - and, in the process, Jed Hoyer put the finishing touches on an offseason that should completely shift the narrative surrounding both him and the organization.

Jed Hoyer puts Tom Ricketts' money where his mouth is with huge move

For years, Hoyer has played it safe, avoided the big gambles and - thanks to ownership - steered clear of major free agent expenditures. But with a rebuilt bullpen, a high-risk, high-reward trade for Edward Cabrera and, now, the Bregman signing, the Cubs will enter 2026 as not only the favorites in the National League Central, but one of the top teams in the Senior Circuit.

Assuming the team doesn't backtrack and trade Gold Glover Nico Hoerner, Bregman will take over the everyday job at third base, pushing Matt Shaw into a super utility role - immediately providing a boost to the bench - one of the Cubs' biggest weaknesses last season.

Last year with the Red Sox, Bregman put up 3.5 bWAR and a 128 OPS+ in 114 games, adding 28 doubles, 18 home runs and 62 RBI. He took advantage of the opt-out in the deal he signed with Boston at season's end, setting up another free agent foray, culminating in his signing with Chicago.

We'll dig in more on the move tomorrow, once I work through my emotions (not only from the Bregman signing, but this Bears game) - but, for now, I say this. It's about time. This is a major, large-market franchise - and this is a big-market move that's long overdue.