The Cubs haven't been cheap. You can't say that. It's just not true. They've been near the top of MLB in payroll for a few years now and just as recently as 2019, they went out and signed Craig Kimbrel to a $45 million contract. However, you can definitely say ownership hasn't gone to that next level to provide the front office even more resources during this contention window that is quickly closing.
The last two offseasons have really broken even the most optimistic Cubs fans and you can't blame them. After winning 95 games in 2018, but seeing an offense fizzle out to end the year the Cubs went out and signed Daniel Descalso. In the past two years, Descalso's two-year, $5 million deal is the only multi-year and largest free agent contract given to a position player by the Cubs.
And guess what, things probably aren't going to change in free agency for the Cubs this offseason either. Sahadev Sharma wrote about the struggles of the offense and how the Cubs can correct their issues. He also dropped this nugget about the upcoming offseason and it is yet another gut punch to fans.
Don't count on any new hitters coming via free agency.
Via The Athletic.
Addressing contact issues is something Epstein still wants to do. The Cubs could use some smart hitters who excel at that department. D.J. LeMahieu and Michael Brantley, both free agents this winter, fit that description and both were in the top 10 in contact rate this past season. But according to those familiar with the Cubs’ plans this winter, free agency isn’t the likely route to address this problem. It looks like the Cubs will have to find help on the trade market.So, it appears that for the third consecutive offseason the Cubs won't be aggressively looking to improve the team via free agency. Cool.
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