Offseason thread

[knoxville7]

Happ has to be the most empty war player of anyone I've ever watched

i can agree he is streaky as can be and when he is down, he is down bad. but when hes hot, he is red hot as well.

 

[JP Hochbaum]

2025 Chicago Cubs Payroll Table

An updated look at the Chicago Cubs 2025 payroll table, including team totals, retained figures, and complete breakdowns of player salaries, and bonuses.

www.spotrac.com

if this is accurate along with this

2025 mlb luxury tax threshold - Bing

Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.

www.bing.com

saying the threshold is going to be 241 million, then the cubs should have some room to play still

Nice so we still have 40 million. Keep 5-10 million open for a trade deadline move. Still gives us room to sign an ACE for 30 million a year.

 

[Discus fish salesman]

Nice so we still have 40 million. Keep 5-10 million open for a trade deadline move. Still gives us room to sign an ACE for 30 million a year.

I dont think they need a buffer for the trade deadline. If the team is competing they should be willing to go into the tax

 

[JP Hochbaum]

I dont think they need a buffer for the trade deadline. If the team is competing they should be willing to go into the tax

Yes and No. If they somehow aren't in it. They want to stay under the luxury tax. There are massive penalties, outisde of money, that teams endure beig over it two years in a row. This year would be year two.

 

[TL1961]

Sounds about done. 3:1. Paredes, Smith and Wesneski. I take that as a win for Jed.

You may not like Hodge but his advanced numbers showed elite level production.

That said Jed has been in talks with 2 f/a relievers.

Giving up Cam Smith may be huge

I would have preferred it be Seiya, given a choice.

But they have a lot of prospects so it’s not the end of the world.

Just seems odd to give up two 3B. They must figure Shaw is ready.

Unless they shock everyone and put Busch at 3rd and Bellinger at 1st. But most everyone figures Belli is as good as gone, especially now.

 

[CSF77]

2025 Chicago Cubs Payroll | RosterResource | FanGraphs

2024 Chicago Cubs MLB playroll with player contracts, options, and future payroll commitments.

www.fangraphs.com

 

[CSF77]

I wouldn't do any lockdowns on payroll yet. The total is different on many resources. Fans graphs and cots tend to be pretty accurate. I would wait until they moved Bellinger and see how much whichever team is able going to take.

 

[CSF77]

Cubs Sign Carson Kelly

The Cubs announced they have signed catcher Carson Kelly to a two-year deal, per Meghan Montemurro of the Chicago Tribune. …

www.mlbtraderumors.com

 

[CSF77]

5/5 and a 7.5 with a 1.5 buy out

Catcher resolved

Jed has some chips to spend still. Keep it hot.

 

[SilenceS]

The Yankees are hard on Belli. He fits their needs. They seem to be willing to give up their number 5 prospect who is a starting pitcher. The hang up seems yankees want the Cubs to eat a lot of belli contract but Cubs want them to take it all.

 

[CSF77]

I can see the conversation

Tom: like your job?
Jed: Love it.
Tom: I don't.

Jed: (panic attack grabbing Xanax) on it.

 

[knoxville7]

If the cubs find a legit closer, I’ll get legit excited about this team tbh

 

[CSF77]

If the cubs find a legit closer, I’ll get legit excited about this team tbh

They have to get rid of Cody first.

 

[TL1961]

They have to get rid of Cody first.

Why?

Are they going to be afraid they can’t?

Just get the closer independent of Cody’s status.

 

[SilenceS]

Why?

Are they going to be afraid they can’t?

Just get the closer independent of Cody’s status.

They arent going over the luxury tax. There is a log jam. Suzuki or bellinger. One is going and the we have 2 OF ready to either make it or dont.

 

[Diehardfan]

I like getting Tucker kinda on the cheap but the fact they let him go for that leads me to believe that they know what kind of money he's looking for and it will be certainly more than Ricketts will be willing to part with. Good player....but it will be short lived. Belly is probably gone bit if he stays with Tucker joining PCA and Happ in the outfield, the kid joining Swanson, Nico and Belly....that's big time D. With Suzuki and Busch rotating at DH....that's a lot of depth to go with that defense. Still....that pen. Hodge maybe the guy to close but a lot of people thought Alzolay was "the guy" last year.

 

[Diehardfan]

i can agree he is streaky as can be and when he is down, he is down bad. but when hes hot, he is red hot as well.

Never had a problem with Happ, he catches everything he gets to and while not a great hitter....he's ok and has the bonus of switch hitting.

 

[CSF77]

Happ gets on base. As a lead off it is what he is there for. The fact that is is not a clown in LF is a bonus

 

[CSF77]

Why?

Are they going to be afraid they can’t?

Just get the closer independent of Cody’s status.

Payroll relief as Knox said.

I feel there is one of 2 routes to take
1. Trade with NYY and toss in Alcantara plus 5M for that starter. He is not going to beat Brown or Assad but he hits 98 and might be a good depth piece.

Or go for Seattle and Castillo. Toss in Wicks to replace the lost innings while adding a 1B.

Of the 2 IDC TBH. One you get a SP out of it that slots in at the two. Other you give Jed more payroll to play with.

If it was me I'm taking cash relief and using Suzuki and Wicks for Cease. I never was okay with that deal in 2017 and then need to bring him back and pay the man.

Then target Alonso. Suzuki is not going to be OKay with DH and Pete just mauls the ball. I want a 3/4 HR comp in 25.

 

[CSF77]

Regarding the pen:

9th Hughes
8th Miller
7th Patterson

What fangraphs has ATM.

Then

Thompson
Morgan
Little
Merryweather
Zastrynzny


Assad they still have as the 5 and Wicks and Brown are starting at Iowa.

I see it as Brown right now as the 5. Wicks and Assad in long relief.

They target Minter for a leverage lefty I am fine going as is. They can readdress it like they did in 2016 if needed.