Consider this simply an opportunity to put squarely in our faces something we already know, more generally, to be true: when it comes to free agency, the Cubs have done a whole lot of nothing the last two offseasons.
I could offer the caveats, of course – there was a lot of free agent spending in the years before, guys in arbitration were getting big raises, the Cubs made a huge signing outside of the offseason (Kimbrel), having to wait on the Bryant grievance, etc. – so I am not necessarily ripping the Cubs for this. I’m just pointing out the reality that, if you’re a fan of free agent chases, or even just intriguing lesser signings, the last two offseasons have been terrible.
Here is the ENTIRE list of big league, fully-guaranteed free agent signings the Cubs have made in the last two offseasons:
END OF LIST
Immediately, you notice two things: (1) every single one of the signings was from LAST offseason … that’s right, the Cubs still don’t have a single big league, fully-guaranteed free agent signing this entire offseason (only a couple split deals for Dan Winkler and Ryan Tepera, as well as some minor league signings), and (2) even last year, they sure had a type, eh?
In the middle of a competitive window, with a core in place, the Cubs have supplemented their big league roster almost not at all the last two offseasons. Again, you can see all the caveats above – fair, unfair, do with them what you will – but we can’t ignore this reality, clearly borne out of a desire not to spend too aggressively above the luxury tax. In fact, as I look back on these signings and consider these two offseasons together – as the organization often does – I start to wonder whether there was a thinking a year in advance that the 2019-20 offseason might be a “step back” to get under the luxury tax. So don’t sign anyone to major deals last year. Craig Kimbrel wound up being a surprisingly-available big swing to help the 2019 team, and maybe they figured they’d be better able to trade pieces this offseason than they actually have been able.
In any event, whatever the explanation, the approach is crystal clear at this point. Maybe the Cubs can still get in on free agency in the coming weeks as they did last year, adding interesting leftover guys on very inexpensive short-term deals, but I anticipate that will happen only if they first move out some salary (as sad as that may strike you). Otherwise, the Cubs are just going to try to get more split-contract/minor league signing guys, aiming to patch over holes and get some no-risk upside. I never hate those deals, mind you. I just wish the Cubs were also able to participate more meaningfully in free agency to give themselves a better shot in 2020 (even as they otherwise aim to get under the luxury tax and pick up pieces for 2021 and beyond in trade).