Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts yesterday confirmed what we’ve long suspected: the team’s payroll will decrease next year from the current $145 million level. Speaking to reporters, Ricketts said, “[w]e haven’t made any decisions where payroll goes next year. But I think it will be slightly lower than this year.”
The Cubs have some $115 to 120 million already accounted for by players under contract and expected pay raises, leaving little wiggle room for Jim Hendry to find a first baseman, a late-inning reliever, and possibly a front-line starter.