Chicago Cubs

Budget concerns could cause Cubs to miss out in free agency

Published Nov. 30, 2015 7:32 p.m. ET

Shawn Ramsey

The Chicago Cubs are going to be limited in spending for the 2016 season, with only about $20 million in funds available to add to the team via free agency now and for the foreseeable future, writes FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.

While $20 million extra spending money in the offseason might seem like a lot, a top free agent could command more on the open market. Johnny Cueto, for instance, rejected a $20 million per year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks Monday. The Cubs payroll figures to be $130 million to $140 million for 2016, while their contractual and arbitration commitments for the season already project to be in the $120 million range.

The Cubs' have been targeting top-line pitching free agents, and still have options on the table despite the higher asking prices. If Chicago were to make a trade from its surplus of young hitters, such as Jorge Soler or Starlin Castro, money could be freed to sign a bigger name. David Price has been linked to the Cubs on several occasions, as he pitched for manager Joe Maddon in Tampa Bay, but the pitcher would still likely have to take a pay cut to join the club over other teams that could outbid the Cubs.

Sure, the top talents are the goal for the Cubs, but a second-tier starter such as Jeff Samardzija or John Lackey could be more obtainable for the team with the financial limitations. Trading some of the major-league ready talent could also fetch Chicago another starting pitcher on the trade market as well.

The Cubs' front office has said they plan to be 'creative' this offseason, and with the monetary limitations released, that will certainly be the case as Chicago tries to improve in 2016 from its 97-win season.