The Cubs can drastically have reduced payroll next year, which is why I think they largely stayed the same team.
1. It gives this team a decent chance to come back. Highly unlikely I know, but it means something to the players.
2. With the year Belli is having, I think it would be a bad move for him to opt out. So I think he stays. Though I think the Cubs can buy him out for 2.5 million to let him go, not 100% sure about this though.
3. Swanson, Suzuki, Taillon, Happ, Hoener, Imanaga, are the only roster players not in arbitration years, so the rest of the roster is very cheap.
4. If the Cubs wanted to make a move for Soto, I would have to think they trade one of their outfielders as well.
5. I feel pretty good about the state of their starting pitching, and wouldn't make a major move there.
6. The focus has to be a superstar weather it be Soto or Alonso, or a trade. They need to get at least one this off season.
7. THey also need a catcher and the Jays have two, either Kirk or Jenses would be fine.