Chicago Cubs GM indicates new attitude toward team spending

In the past, that threshold was reportedly viewed internally as a self-imposed salary cap, ensuring that the team doesn’t get hit with the tax penalties and possible draft sanctions suffered by over-the-threshold teams.

According to recent reports, though, that barrier is no longer a hard wall separating team needs from team spending.

In a conversation with ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, Cubs general manager Carter Hawkins has said that the CBT (Competitive Balance Tax) is “less of a consideration” this season as the team is now seen as a contender.

Past constraints and frustrations

The change in tone is a welcomed switch-up from past seasons where budget constraints from ownership appeared to handcuff the front office when it came to talent acquisition. The frustration was especially felt last year, when the Cubs were seen as contenders with clear needs who refused to pull the trigger on deals that could’ve possibly put them over the top.

“It’s hard when you see other teams you’re competing with get really good players, but those aren’t decisions you’re making in the moment,” Hawkins told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers last August, addressing criticisms over the team failing to pull of a major pickup at the trade deadline. “…It takes some discipline, especially in a moment when you see things moving that way, but we were able to stick to our approach and felt really good about the adds we were able to make.

“Teams are trying to find that guy that can lock down the eighth or ninth inning but that also costs a lot. That costs a lot of future wins. We have a responsibility to the 2025 Cubs but also the 2032 Cubs. That’s not always popular in the moment, but it’s decisions we have to make.”

The comment from Hawkins generated a fierce backlash from fans who felt that it was within the team’s reach to make the 2025 Cubs squad a possible World Series contender.

More money flexibility

This offseason, however, Hawkins’ outlook has apparently changed.

His statement opens the possibility that the Cubs actually may not be done adding to the team and/or that the road could be paved for a big-ticket in-season acquisition.

Jordan Campbell of Cubbies Crib talked up the positives of the Cubs’ willingness to pass over the first tax threshold:

“The assumption is that the Cubs, at some point, will go over the first level of the CBT, and there’s a silver lining in that. With the Cubs accounting for that, they now have around $23 million in space before reaching the next level at $264 million. In other words, the penalties the Cubs would pay if their payroll is at $245 million next season are the same as they would be if their payroll is at $263 million.

It suggests the Cubs could still have a move or two up their sleeve this offseason, if not, a healthy amount of space for in-season moves.”

All of that is great news for the fans and for the team, itself, as it looks to compete with powerhouse franchises like the Los Angeles Dodgers.