Cubs on the right side of the equation with new offseason spending update

We heard the rumors early in the offseason. The Chicago Cubs were 'a team to watch'. There was 'something different' about how Jed Hoyer seemed to be operating. But nobody believed those reports - after all, why would we? Chicago has played the perpetual bridesmaid to perfection under Jed Hoyer.

But not any longer.

In less than a week, the Cubs pulled off a blockbuster trade for right-hander Edward Cabrera and snatched three-time All-Star away from Craig Breslow and the Boston Red Sox, signing the latter to the third-largest deal in franchise history (five years, $175 million). Those moves came on the heels of a complete bullpen makeover, as Hoyer checked one box after another.

The end result? As of early this week, Chicago leads all National League teams - and trails only the Toronto Blue Jays in all of baseball - in offseason spending.

Cubs flex their muscle - after years of thinking safe and small

Now, that order could soon change if the Philadelphia Phillies add Bo Bichette on a long-term deal, but the point will remain the same. The Cubs finally acted like the large-market behemoth they're capable of being on a yearly basis - and it shows in how complete and well-rounded this roster looks.

The Bregman signing really jumps out when you see Boston at the opposite end of this list - having spent $0 this winter in free agency. The Red Sox reportedly thought Scott Boras was bluffing and refused to give him a no-trade clause, opening the door for Hoyer to pull off a massive offseason upgrade.

It's been years since the Cubs sat near the top of the pack in free agent spending and, during that time, the fanbase (and even some within the organization, per reports) grew frustrated with the team's 'play-it-safe' approach. Now, with Cubs Convention just days away, we can expect an air of excitement rather than the annual airing of grievances we've experienced in recent years.

Championships are won on the field over the course of a grueling 162-game schedule - but Hoyer's work this offseason has laid the foundation for success in 2026 and beyond, thanks to the business side of things finally delivering what's been so desperately needed.