Budget constraints seem to be a common theme when discussing the Cubs, and that could easily become the case once again this winter. Any limits on free agency spending will spur more trade discussion, as trades can often be a more reasonable means for acquiring talent when trying to avoid big payroll increases.
Jed Hoyer will have to dip into his farm system in order to acquire the best talent available, which is not something the Cubs have often been open to doing. The biggest trade of late was easily the Kyle Tucker deal, in which the Cubs sent former top prospect Cam Smith to Houston just six months after being drafted in the first round.