THE CONTRACTS
Chicago is carrying a payroll of $170.8 million. Next year that drops for the moment to $117.3 million. If they need to eat a bloated contract they can.
In the position to win right now, and with only three players eligible for free agency next year, they have the flexibility if needed to take on more.
Arrieta has one more year of arbitration. Rizzo and Zobrist are signed through 2019. Soler and Jon Lester are locked until 2020. Even Heyward will be only 33 when his deal finishes in 2023. Kris Bryant does not reach arbitration until 2018 and Schwarber until 2019.
Rarely does a team in this position have their long-term affairs in order as the Cubs do.
The only things Chicago is selling in July is $8 beers and playoff tickets.
Outside of a Kemp-type of outfielder or an unexpected pitching injury, expect Chicago to keep their payroll close to what it is now. If they need to spend, they will.
When you are looking at minor pieces to fill in a championship puzzle, however, those are cheaper in the pro-rated $4-6 million range. How healthy the Cubs stay will shape the final wage bill.
Next: What Will The Cubs Do?