01-08-2025, 06:19 PM
The Cubs will likely near the luxury tax line for 2025 or make additional trades to re-enforce the roster. There's a number of opportunities including free agents that can improve the roster. Believe that Cubs payroll currently sits around $200 MM with assorted payout/buyouts so Cubs will likely spend another $30 MM or so - Jed says he likes to keep $10 MM on hold for in season trades. Plus, after "accidently" going over the luxury tax last season, he likely will ensure he doesn't do it again.
Hoping that Cubs sign a closer, reinforce their starting rotation, and acquire a power hitting corner infielder that can back up inexperienced expected starters in those positions.
Sasaki seems to be the best hope for a starter as little faith in Cubs signing Jack Flaherty spending over $100 MM (the Cardinal stank on him and lack of consistency concerns remain) or other remaining free agent starters.
Don't see them pulling a trade for Cease which would be a godsend as Padres will likely get multiple other offers. Padres will wait till the Sasaki sweepstakes winner is announced then may even hold out till season commences and some club has an unexpected injury in the starting rotation.
The Cubs lack of a reliable closer cost them the playoff opportunities in 2023 and 2024. Cubs need a proven closer which allows them to lock other members of bullpen into more specific roles. Unfortunately, don't see the Cubs signing Tanner Scott and appears that the Braves will sign Jeff Hoffman which are likely the 2 best free agent closers. Jansen, Yates, Robertson are all still available but each has their own issues including potential AARP memberships. No clue who the Cubs will target and concerned that they will sign a couple meddling veteran relivers and hope that they can sort out a bullpen - like the previous seasons.
Regarding a power hitting corner infielder, yes, signing Bregman would greatly improve the roster but Cubs aren't going to offer him $200 MM and he's not going to take a pillow contract to establish his production with another team. Astros offered him 6 year, $156 MM so that's the floor - which he declined.
Seeking a veteran back up that has power for a back up corner infielder. Who knows maybe Carlos Santana has another year left in him? This role was Patrick Wisdom's and Dave Bote's in the last 2-3 seasons so it's an open spot now.
No one that I mention as potential Cubs free agent signing is overwhelming but they are realistic if you believe that Cubs will likely be at or about $10 MM under the luxury threshold for 2025 season so about $231 MM.
Hoping that Cubs sign a closer, reinforce their starting rotation, and acquire a power hitting corner infielder that can back up inexperienced expected starters in those positions.
Sasaki seems to be the best hope for a starter as little faith in Cubs signing Jack Flaherty spending over $100 MM (the Cardinal stank on him and lack of consistency concerns remain) or other remaining free agent starters.
Don't see them pulling a trade for Cease which would be a godsend as Padres will likely get multiple other offers. Padres will wait till the Sasaki sweepstakes winner is announced then may even hold out till season commences and some club has an unexpected injury in the starting rotation.
The Cubs lack of a reliable closer cost them the playoff opportunities in 2023 and 2024. Cubs need a proven closer which allows them to lock other members of bullpen into more specific roles. Unfortunately, don't see the Cubs signing Tanner Scott and appears that the Braves will sign Jeff Hoffman which are likely the 2 best free agent closers. Jansen, Yates, Robertson are all still available but each has their own issues including potential AARP memberships. No clue who the Cubs will target and concerned that they will sign a couple meddling veteran relivers and hope that they can sort out a bullpen - like the previous seasons.
Regarding a power hitting corner infielder, yes, signing Bregman would greatly improve the roster but Cubs aren't going to offer him $200 MM and he's not going to take a pillow contract to establish his production with another team. Astros offered him 6 year, $156 MM so that's the floor - which he declined.
Seeking a veteran back up that has power for a back up corner infielder. Who knows maybe Carlos Santana has another year left in him? This role was Patrick Wisdom's and Dave Bote's in the last 2-3 seasons so it's an open spot now.
No one that I mention as potential Cubs free agent signing is overwhelming but they are realistic if you believe that Cubs will likely be at or about $10 MM under the luxury threshold for 2025 season so about $231 MM.