Tom Ricketts finally changed his stance on deferrals in the Alex Bregman deal

For years, the Chicago Cubs have notoriously refused to defer money or offer early opt-outs in free agent contracts. Meanwhile, the market has shifted, making both of those things increasingly important to players and agents alike.

It's really put Jed Hoyer and the front office behind the eight-ball in free-agent pursuits - until now, when Ricketts finally changed his tune, allowing his front office to defer more than half of Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million contract.

CBT motivations likely changed Cubs' stance on Alex Bregman deferrals

I have trouble believing that's a coincidence given that, without deferrals, the Bregman deal would have pushed the Cubs right up against the first CBT threshold. Don't get me wrong, I'll take the major free agent splash, no complaints, but it's hard to believe the sign-off on deferrals isn't at least, in part, driven by a desire to stay under that $244 million mark.

Chicago loves to give itself $5-10 million of wiggle room for in-season acquisitions and, according to Spotrac, a straight $35 million salary for Bregman would push Chicago to just under $243 million heading into the season. But by deferring some of that money, they open that buffer up just a little more - and that's before any cost-cutting moves that could yet come (like a potential Nico Hoerner trade).

With a little over a month until pitchers and catchers report, the Cubs rank eighth in payroll in MLB - sixth in the National League - and it's been a busy offseason for Hoyer and his team. A complete bullpen overhaul, followed by the Edward Cabrera trade and Bregman signing makes this the most significant offseason we've seen in years.

One year after coming up well short in their pursuit of Bregman, Chicago pushed hard, overtaking the presumptive favorite Red Sox - and, for once, offering the most money ($175 million to a reported $160 million over five years). It's a long overdue move (and one they probably should've just made last winter) - and sets the Cubs up to be a legitimate World Series contender in 2026.