The Chicago Cubs made Alex Bregman an offer that they knew he could refuse. Even after the negotiations dragged into spring training, league sources indicated the Cubs were outbid by multiple teams in all the ways that free agents keep score — years,

The Chicago Cubs fell short in their attempt to sign free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman after ownership approved stretching the budget to pursue him.

The Chicago Cubs missed out on another premier free agent Wednesday evening when Alex Bregman officially agreed to a deal with the Boston Red Sox. Bregman’s free agency saga lasted until after teams began reporting to Spring Training and it was known that he would choose a team by the end of the week so he could report to camp on time.