The Chicago Cubs are entering a new phase of roster management, one that is distinct from their precarious situation in 2021. Key players with expiring contracts after the 2026 season will be dealt with through a combination of extension negotiations and the free agent market.
While it's true that several high-profile players - including Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Carson Kelly - will be in their final seasons of contract, their absence from free agency next year won't resemble the chaos of 2021. In contrast to then, when the team struggled to re-sign core players and was forced to sell key assets at the trade deadline.
President Jed Hoyer emphasized the Cubs' active approach to this offseason, stating that they'll be engaging in extension conversations with several players. The team's focus on building a sustainable foundation has been shaped by their recent playoff appearance and four-year drought without postseason basketball.
The Cubs' roster boasts an array of talented young contributors who are entering arbitration or have already established themselves as everyday players. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, first baseman Michael Busch, and third baseman Matt Shaw stand out as key assets in the team's future. Additionally, prospects like Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara will provide a boost from within.
Hoyer also acknowledged that the impending expiration of the CBA could impact the market for free agents. The debate over a potential salary cap remains contentious, with some players and teams expressing anxiety about an uncertain future landscape.
Despite this uncertainty, the Cubs are taking a measured approach to their roster management. Hoyer views the team's clean financial picture after 2026 as an opportunity rather than a cause for concern. With available dollars to commit in the future, the Cubs aim to prioritize wise decision-making and build a foundation that will endure regardless of the market's trajectory.
While no guarantee exists that this strategy will succeed, it's clear that the Cubs have made significant strides in recent years. The team's renewed focus on player development and roster building has set them up for long-term success - at least compared to their situation in 2021.
While it's true that several high-profile players - including Seiya Suzuki, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Carson Kelly - will be in their final seasons of contract, their absence from free agency next year won't resemble the chaos of 2021. In contrast to then, when the team struggled to re-sign core players and was forced to sell key assets at the trade deadline.
President Jed Hoyer emphasized the Cubs' active approach to this offseason, stating that they'll be engaging in extension conversations with several players. The team's focus on building a sustainable foundation has been shaped by their recent playoff appearance and four-year drought without postseason basketball.
The Cubs' roster boasts an array of talented young contributors who are entering arbitration or have already established themselves as everyday players. Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, first baseman Michael Busch, and third baseman Matt Shaw stand out as key assets in the team's future. Additionally, prospects like Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, and Kevin Alcantara will provide a boost from within.
Hoyer also acknowledged that the impending expiration of the CBA could impact the market for free agents. The debate over a potential salary cap remains contentious, with some players and teams expressing anxiety about an uncertain future landscape.
Despite this uncertainty, the Cubs are taking a measured approach to their roster management. Hoyer views the team's clean financial picture after 2026 as an opportunity rather than a cause for concern. With available dollars to commit in the future, the Cubs aim to prioritize wise decision-making and build a foundation that will endure regardless of the market's trajectory.
While no guarantee exists that this strategy will succeed, it's clear that the Cubs have made significant strides in recent years. The team's renewed focus on player development and roster building has set them up for long-term success - at least compared to their situation in 2021.
, but I'm also kinda worried that they might not be able to sustain it. Like, they've got some amazing young talent coming up through the ranks, but the CBA thing is a major wild card 
. If teams are getting anxious about the future, can we really trust the market? And what if the Cubs' clean financial picture isn't as solid as they make it out to be? 
Still, I love that Hoyer's taking a measured approach and prioritizing long-term success over short-term gains 
. Maybe this is the start of something special for the Cubs... but we'll see! 
️
. Instead, they're looking at the long game and building a sustainable foundation for the future. That clean financial picture after 2026 is gonna be huge 
. Guys like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Matt Shaw are starting to make some big moves for themselves, which is awesome to see 
. And let's not forget about all those prospects bubbling up from the minors - Moises Ballesteros, Owen Caissie, Kevin Alcantara... they're the future, guys! 
. But if anyone can navigate that uncertain landscape, it's the Cubs. They've come a long way since 2021, and I think this strategy is gonna pay off in the end 
it's like they're playing a long game, investing in young players & prospects instead of chasing superstars who might leave soon 
i guess its better than 2021 when we had to sell our best assets at the trade deadline lol. still can't believe theyre not considering a salary cap, what is hoyer thinking? 
. And let's be real, those other teams that are freaking out about a salary cap? They're just worried 'cause they can't control their own destiny 
. I mean, sure, they've got some key players with expiring contracts, but it's not like they're going to break out into chaos mode like they did last time around 
. Jed Hoyer seems super smart about this stuff, recognizing that the team needs a sustainable foundation and prioritizing wise decision-making over just throwing money at guys 
! And let's be real, who doesn't love a good underdog story? The Cubs might not have won it all last season, but they're on the right track, and I'm stoked to see what the future holds for them 
.
! It's dope that they're taking a measured approach, prioritizing wise decision-making and building a foundation that'll last 
. No cap, having those young contributors like Pete Crow-Armstrong, Michael Busch, and Matt Shaw already established will be huge 
. And I feel the Cubs are on the right track by not panicking about the CBA situation 
... we'll see what happens next season 
.