I see people say this but I don't buy it. If the team wins 88 wins or whatever and barely squeaks into the playoffs and first round exits is the situation really any different from ownerships stand point? In my view ownership and jed are on the same page. And that page is to limit spending and build a development engine akin to say cleveland with more money or maybe Atlanta is a better comp.
And I mean I get why fans are pissed at jed but if you're viewing this from ownerships eyes I don't think there's any way you are upset. There's clearly a limit you've put on his spending. And if you're evaluating what he's done with what he's given i think you'd be hard pressed to say it's "bad". He's obviously been conservative in FA but what he has done has been very successful from Shota to the initial Belli signing. On top of that the cubs have built one of the best farm systems in baseball with numerous of their top picks making immediate impacts.
So in that light I don't really see how he's playing for his job in 2025. Pretty sure what he has done is the organizational plan whether we like it or not.
I do, He cut most filler deals to create payroll. Then he made an out of left field deal that added wins to the team at a OF spot that is back filled by NTC, over paid deal and 3 top prospects.
He could have done nothing. Bring up Caissie for injury relief. Same with Shaw. Trade out Cody and Nico in July and start both. Seems like the safe play.
But this is Jed's walk year. No he is being pretty aggressive right now. He really doesn't need to. So that sense of urgency is happening that has not in the past.
I don't look at excuses for answers myself. I look at actions that tell a story. These moves are telling a story, it is called win in 2025.
Jed has put up some great mouth drivel in the past. That is not happening right now. I'm seeing some moves with the intention to win.
