Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Now that the Cubs have signed a cost-controlled starting pitcher in Edward Cabrera, who will make just $4.45 million this year, there would seem to be payroll room to sign one of the top free agent hitters.
Advertisement
Earlier this week, in the SB Nation Reacts survey, I asked how much you think the Cubs would spend.
Interestingly. half of all respondents to the survey said, essentially, “Nothing.”
Meaning, of course, that Tom Ricketts and Jed Hoyer will hold back the approximately $35 million they have left to spend under the first 2026 luxury tax level of $244 million. In fact, since the Cubs didn’t go into the luxury tax in 2025, any penalties are reset. That would mean that if they went over by (say) $5 million or so, the penalties would be minor.
Thus if they did sign one of the “big four” hitting free agents still available (Cody Bellinger, Bo Bichette, Alex Bregman or Kyle Tucker), perhaps a contract could be back-loaded or have deferred money, since the Cubs have quite a bit of money coming off the salary books after 2026.
Advertisement
It’s still a mystery to me why the Cubs don’t want to defer money, as all the cool teams are doing that now.
In any case, those “big four” hitters are still free agents as of this writing. Thus, Tom and Jed… go get one of them.
Thanks to all who voted in this SB Nation Reacts survey. This edition of SB Nation Reacts is sponsored by FanDuel.