3 offseason changes that need to happen if the Cubs miss the playoffs again

2. The Cubs can't allow the luxury tax to handcuff them; it needs to be a non-factor as the front office works through the offseason

Despite being one of the most valuable franchises in all of sports, Chicago Cubs ownership continues to focus on maximizing profits and squeezing value out of every move - rarely digging deep and going toe-to-toe with teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies or New York Yankees on key free agents.

That has to change.

A generational talent and likely future Hall of Famer headlines this winter's free agent class in Juan Soto and other top talents like Corbin Burnes would immediately make the Cubs a better team. Playing small market ball and treating the CBT as a soft salary cap can't continue to be the norm if this team is going to be a regular presence in October.

Tom Ricketts has the money. He's turned Wrigleyville into a cash-printing operation over the last decade-plus. Now, it's time to put those dollars into the pockets of the best players in the game and add the impactful star power this roster has lacked for years.