This week’s mailbag looks at the Cubs’ remaining cap space, how MLBTR’s arbitration projections are shaping up, and what the Padres, Reds and Rangers might do and potentially suit Marcus Stromanthis Jeff Hoffman Situation, what can Cardinals get? Eric Feder or Ryan Helsley,etc.
Walter asked:
With about $45 million left before the minimum threshold, what do you think about Jed Hoyer’s spending? Do you think he’s being handcuffed because he’s in the last year of his contract?
No, I don’t think the Ricketts family will put restrictions on Hoyer because of his lame duck status. According to RosterResource, the Cubs’ CBT payroll is $198MM, which does put them $43MM short of the first threshold. I don’t believe Hoyer will spend all of that, but he figures he’ll spend a good chunk of it.
Cubs await. Cody Bellinger It took until late February last year to get the short-term deal they craved. It’s not hard to see the Cubs being opportunistic in this regard Alex Bregman, Jack Flahertyor Nick Pivetta Should they get into short-term trading? Cubs donate $5MM to Colin Ray However, that could reduce the likelihood of pursuing another starting pitcher.
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