It has proved to be a tiring exercise in recent years trying to predict whether the Chicago Cubs will land a top free agent. The Cubs haven't been shy about their preference to avoid the top of the market, and while they have money available this offseason, it feels like the overall approach of the front office will remain the same. If the Cubs were to land a top free agent this offseason, it would likely be due to that player's market bottoming out or stalling.
It was the reason why the Cubs were able to re-sign Cody Bellinger during spring training in 2024, and it was the incentive for their push for Alex Bregman last spring.