The standard for big-market spending in MLB has been set by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Mets, but also by others like the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.
At least, that's what Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts will have you believe.
Ricketts, appearing on 670 The Score's "Inside the Clubhouse," claimed that he simply doesn't have the firepower to compete with other big market spenders in free agency.
“Obviously, the Dodgers have a lot more resources... Some teams just have outside resources that are funding their player moves and acquisitions, and that’s really hard to compete with," Ricketts said.
The Cubs currently sport a $183.3 million luxury tax payroll, per Spotrac, which places them 14th in MLB. That's well below the first luxury tax threshold of $241 million.
For a team that plays in one of the five largest media markets in the United States, something's not adding up with Ricketts' comments. Not to mention, the latter's net worth is approximately $4.5 billion.
It's true that Chicago dabbled in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes and was reportedly the preferred destination for new Dodgers closer Tanner Scott.
However, outside of a trade with the Houston Astros for outfielder Kyle Tucker earlier this winter (and even that move was precipitated by dealing outfielder Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees to clear salary), the Cubs have remained idle. And that shouldn't be the case in what is expected to be a wide-open NL Central division in 2025.
Alas, don't expect Ricketts' attitude on spending to change.
“I don’t think fans should spend all their time thinking about which team has more money or how much they’re spending," Ricketts said. “It just becomes a big narrative that’s a distraction.’’
To some degree, he's right: championships aren't won in January. But Ricketts is certainly aware of the narrative he has created around the Cubs' organization and with the fan base regarding these comments. And for a club that hasn't reached the postseason since 2020, that's problematic.
So what's next for the Cubs as we inch closer to Opening Day 2025? They're reportedly out on first baseman Pete Alonso and third baseman Alex Bregman after whiffing on pitchers Scott and Sasaki. They also never became serious players for outfielder Juan Soto or starter Corbin Burnes, which doesn't seem promising for further pursuits this winter. However, they may explore reinforcements for the late innings.
Ultimately, it's looking like Chicago will enter the 2025 season in a similar position to its 2024 predecessors (83-79, second in the NL Central). Whether that's good enough to compete in a weak division remains to be seen, but one thing we do know?
The Cubs could be doing more.
