Chicago Cubs Face Criticism Over Cost-Cutting Trades

The Chicago Cubs have made significant moves this offseason, notably acquiring all-star Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, which has elevated their status as contenders for the NL Central. However, the recent trade of Cody Bellinger to the New York Yankees has drawn criticism as a salary dump, with fans concerned about the management's commitment to reinvesting the savings. Despite the promising addition of Tucker and bullpen upgrades with Ryan Pressly and Eli Morgan, the Cubs' payroll has decreased by 16% this offseason, raising eyebrows given their large market status and high attendance figures from the previous season. Additional concerns arise regarding the Cubs' rotation depth, particularly with Matthew Boyd's injury history and Javier Assad's current oblique injury, which may challenge their starting lineup. While the Cubs are projected to have financial flexibility in future seasons, their current strategy appears to favor trades over major free-agent signings, leaving many to question their win-now approach. The potential signing of free agent Alex Bregman remains a significant topic of speculation as the Cubs strive for improvement.