Chicago Cubs: Choosing between Jake Arrieta and Shohei Otani

Chicago Cubs: Spending limitations around the league

Last time we talked about Shohei Otani, there was, let’s just say, a lack of understanding about the Cubs’ international spending restrictions. So, in the interest of clarity – let’s get into it.

First – Otani is not currently available to big-league teams. Epstein made that perfectly clear recently when he spoke with CSN Chicago.

"“He’s not available right now,” Epstein said. “There was a story that came out that said that he would request a post. I’m not going to talk about any player that’s not available.”"

One of the better breakdowns of the spending limitations comes from Brett Taylor over at Bleacher Nation. Brett has always been a top-notch guy for simplifying things like this – so if you don’t follow him already, make sure to check him out.

As mentioned, Chicago is limited to a mere $300,000 this winter. And working around these limitations will be a tall task for Epstein and the Cubs. The league has no intentions of letting side agreements roll as a work-around for the international free agent limits – as Brett points out. But, as he suggests, a pre-arbitration extension could, in theory, be a possible alternative.

It will be a work of magic if Theo pulls this off. But, if we’ve learned anything watching his illustrious front office career, it’s this: never underestimate what Epstein can manage.