2 realistic Chicago Cubs moves that could happen, 2 that won’t with spring training approaching
The Chicago Cubs’ payroll is just under $200 million. Owner Tom Ricketts has stated that the team’s payroll is expected to rise just before the first tier of the luxury tax again. The team will be more mindful of not exceeding this season in efforts to reset after surpassing the mark a season ago. Going over for a consecutive year means a 30% tax on all dollars spent over the tax, and that’s only if they land in the first tier.
Say what you will of the Cubs’ spending habits, as fans beg for a major market team to act like one. The reality is that Jed Hoyer, his front office, and fans alike will have to accept that these are the parameters set by the Cubs chairman. With rumors persisting around every corner, the Cubs will do something else noticeable before the offseason concludes.
Gathering everything we’ve heard, let’s look at the two most realistic moves, followed by two that have gained traction but don’t make much sense before the start of spring training.
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Realistic: Ryan Pressly closes games for Chicago in 2025
The rumors have ramped up to the point that we now know a deal between the Cubs and Houston Astros that would send Ryan Pressly to the Cubs is in place. The hold-up is whether Pressly decides to waive his no-trade clause, but the fact is that he could greatly benefit from playing in Chicago on a contract year.
He is the setup man for Josh Hader in Houston but would slot into the closer role for the Cubs. If you’re Pressly, with free agency a year away, that alone has to feel like perfect timing for an excellent opportunity to showcase what you can still provide to a ballclub, only upping his value for his next contract.
The downside is that Texas is home to Pressly, his wife, and two small children. However, if you’re nearing a contract year and you may be in store for a change of scenery before long anyway, it may be wise to at least set yourself up as best as possible moving forward, as retirement likely isn’t on the horizon at this point.
