Krista Ruch

The Chicago Cubs introduced third baseman Alex Bregman at Wrigley Field on Thursday, after signing him to a $175 million, five-year contract. Bregman, who turns 32 next March, is a two-time World Series champion with the Houston Astros, and a three-time All-Star. His contract is one of the richest in Cubs history. Bregman was also pursued by the Cubs before he signed a $120 million, three-year contract with Boston last February, with opt-outs after each of the first two seasons.

Wrigleyville was full of nervous energy Thursday as Cubs fans waited for the decisive game against the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card series. The Cubs had a chance to close out the series on Wednesday in front of a star-studded, packed house at Wrigley Field. But the Padres had other plans — as San Diego slugger Manny Machado blasted a game-changing two-run homer for a 3-0 lead. That was more than enough for Dylan Cease and the Padres' bullpen, who dominated the Cubs' offense.

Fans were set to return to Wrigley Field on Wednesday to cheer on the Chicago Cubs, as they look to clinch the National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres. The Cubs won Game 1 on Tuesday at Wrigley Field. It was their first playoff win since 2017. The bats were hot for the Cubs on Tuesday, with Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly hitting back-to-back homers in the fifth inning. Fans loved it, and Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the energy helped the team win 3-1. "It changed the stadium.