Cubs Owner Defends Spending Strategy Amid Fan Criticism

Tom Ricketts argues that the Cubs' financial approach is sustainable, despite lagging behind MLB's top-spending teams.

Cubs owner Tom Ricketts claims the team lacks the financial resources of big spenders like the Dodgers, Mets, and Yankees, despite being in a major market.
The Cubs' projected 2025 payroll of approximately $214 million ranks ninth in MLB, well below the league's top spenders.
Fans have expressed frustration with the team's restrained spending, especially after missing out on high-profile free agents like Rōki Sasaki and Tanner Scott.
Ricketts emphasized the Cubs' focus on consistent playoff appearances rather than making splashy offseason moves, citing a need to 'break even' financially each year.
Recent moves include acquiring All-Star outfielder Kyle Tucker and bolstering pitching depth, but the team remains cautious about exceeding the luxury tax threshold.