Priority Chicago Cubs free agent target won't address major need of the roster

The Chicago Cubs payroll figures have come back into focus this past week when President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer revealed on Thursday that the front office expects the team to be in the luxury tax after this season.

It was a problematic confession for Hoyer to make as even though the team has said that the first level of the luxury tax is not a cap, the team's actions definitely give the indication that the luxury tax was in mind when constructing the 2024 roster. A roster that, despite any short-lived attempts of resurgence, will fall short of reaching the postseason this fall.

It's also why there is an overwhelming consensus across Major League Baseball that the Cubs will not be heavily involved in the market for Juan Soto this winter.

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score confirmed that sentiment on Saturday during "Inside the Clubhouse". While Levine all but indicated the Cubs will not be deeply in the conversation for Soto, the Cubs' insider did make a revelation. Levine all but indicated that the Cubs will be prioritizing a pursuit of free-agent starting pitcher Corbin Burnes this offseason.

Cubs free agent approach continues to value run prevention.

After spending the first six seasons of his career playing under Craig Counsell with the Milwaukee Brewers, Burnes is enjoying success with the Baltimore Orioles this season in his final year of team control. Through 25 starts this season, Burnes has posted a 3.10 ERA (3.60 FIP).

There is no doubt that Burnes will be heavily coveted this offseason but considering he turns 30 in October, it would seem likely that his contract will be in the range that the Cubs' front office is comfortable with.

Lets be clear, the addition of Burners makes the Cubs a better baseball team but the issue is that it still doesn't address the biggest need that the Cubs will have this offseason--hitting the ball over the fence.

Levine's defense of the Cubs making Burnes their priority this offseason was that since this is a team that has had an inconsistent offense, the logical thing to do would be to add another top-tier starting pitcher to prevent the other team from scoring runs.

It's a fine approach to have but it is an approach that has failed the Cubs in each of the past two seasons. If Burnes is going to be the top free agent target for the Cubs this offseason, then it is even more important that the team trades from their prospect depth to acquire a middle-of-the-order impact bat.