The Cubs Are More Interested In Future Free Agents?

OK, so all the speculation during the last week is basically the biggest kick to the balls for Cubs fans. The top tier of the luxury tax, $246 million, is apparently going to be the team's made up salary cap and unless the front office finds a way to clear more salary, you can kiss a Bryce Harper signing goodbye. Again, I think it's bullshit, but if it's true, what a terrible look for Tom Ricketts. But now there's this new blurb from MLB.com's Jon Morosi. According to him, the Cubs may also not be aggressive in this free agent market because they like future free agents more? Via MLB.com.

The Cubs were linked to Machado early in the midsummer trade market, but the talks never gained momentum. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Cubs shortstop Addison Russell, it's unclear if the Cubs will pursue Machado this offseason. In general, the Cubs seem more enamored with players becoming available via free agency in future winters -- such as Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado -- than those in the current class.

Hmmm, huh? I mean, all right. If we go with a direct comparison, Nolan Arenado is a better infielder than Manny Machado. Offensively, the numbers are pretty similar, but of course Arenado has the advantage of playing half his games at Coors Field. There's only a one-year age difference. But overall, Machado is the better player. But if we're going with the premise that the Cubs won't spend big this offseason, I guess going after the star free agents in the next couple years makes sense. After 2019, the Cubs will have a little more than $53 million coming off the books, with only a couple guys being realistic option to re-sign. So, there's no way the team can make the money excuse next season. But hey, if you're waiting for future winters, why not just go big and wait for Mike Trout's free agency? Yet, that won't be until after the 2020 season and that means two years of the Cubs not doing all they can to maximize their competitive window. And I'll keep sticking to that point. The Cubs have no excuse not to be in the running for Bryce Harper or Manny Machado this offseason. Anything short of a serious effort to get either should be looked as disappointing. It's still early. The GM meetings just started, so we'll just wait and see whether the Cubs really are going to pass on two superstar players in their mid-20s.