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ESPN Chicago Puts Cubs’ Ownership and Team Philosophy Under Fire

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Hanich | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 12:30 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs say they want to acquire some of the top free agents and make trades that can help the team win. While they claim to want to win, the lack of money invested in the process to sign these players suggests otherwise.

ESPN Chicago is the latest outlet to criticize the ownership for their lack of full effort in improving the roster.

The goal for many teams is to pursue big-time players in the offseason, like Alex Bregman, but the ownership doesn’t want to spend. One of the hosts said:

“Ownership is telling them they can’t play that way they spend. It’s not like they’re a bottom-feeder. The thinking with the Chicago Cubs has shifted away from trying to compete with the Dodgers and the Mets and really spend enough so you can compete every year and just maybe you can squeak into a World Series every once in a while and that’s the mindset.”

The Cubs advised manager Craig Counsell to pursue Bregman but with a certain budget. Chicago offered Bregman a four-year, $120 million deal but took the more expensive offer with the Boston Red Sox.

To replace Bregman, the Cubs signed Kyle Tucker, but only for a one-year, $6 million deal. The Cubs have discussed being out on the potential addition of Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr., but only likely until he becomes a free agent at the end of the regular season.

Chicago’s front office is known for not spending heavily despite having some of the league's wealthiest owners. As of 2023, the team was valued at $4 billion.

The franchise will have to rely on the development of its current stars and young players.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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