Cubs can't afford to ignore Scott Boras' warning about pre-MLB lockout free agency frenzy

It's been fascinating to witness the evolving relationship between the Chicago Cubs and Scott Boras. It appeared to be frayed when Jed Hoyer took over as the team's president of baseball operations, considering one of Hoyer's first orders of business was trading Kris Bryant, and for most of his career, it seemed that things between Bryant and the Cubs were never ideal behind the scenes.

But, in the years since, especially when the Cubs have returned to contention, it seems the relationship has been improved. Boras and Hoyer worked out two different contract agreements for Cody Bellinger in consecutive offseasons, and last winter, came together for Alex Bregman's five-year contract.

It may not have always been cordial, but it would seem that Boras and the Cubs are on cordial terms. Something that's notable, considering Boras holds the keys to Tarik Skubal this offseason. As of now, and it's possibly being driven by Boras, the Cubs are considered to be an expected bidder for Skubal this offseason.

Scott Boras urges teams to be active, and the Cubs are in a position to oblige

The impression from Boras is that Skubal will be signing before the lockout on December 2, and he's encouraging teams to be active in November.

“For many teams, I can make an argument it’s clearly best for them to sign players currently, before the (new) CBA, than it is after,” Boras told The Athletic. “Because they have more freedom to do what they’re going to do. They can react later. Now they can get the talent. They can get what they want.”

Questions about Boras' agenda aside, he's probably accurate with his assessment. It makes sense for free agents to want to sign before the lockout, and it makes sense for teams to want to get deals done before lockout. It's one final opportunity to operate with the rules that they know, and then they can worry about the dust settling.

While some teams may have to have some level of concern for what the future holds and how current spending impacts that, the Cubs shouldn't be in that group. While they did cross into the luxury tax in 2026, they have over $100 million coming off their books this offseason. Regardless of what potential salary cap there may be in 2027 and beyond, the Cubs have more than enough room to operate before the lockout. They can also fit Skubal's expected contract into their

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