The Chicago Cubs had a reunion with All-Star hitter Cody Bellinger as one of the top free agent signings coming into the MLB winter. As the MLB schedule for 2024 draws near, ownership appears to be acknowledging that they are done making purchases.

Chicago began the offseason by losing out on free agent Shohei Ohtani, the current AL MVP, and Japanese standout Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

But the team did strengthen its pitching staff, adding Hector Neris to the bullpen and starting pitcher Shota Imanaga to the Cubs rotation. It might not be on the cards for supporters hoping to see Bellinger re-signed by Chicago to strengthen their lineup.

The Cubs’ payroll for 2024 is probably going to end around here, according to owner Tom Ricketts, who told ESPN’s Jesse Rogers that the only way he could raise payroll is through additional revenue. Other than that, he thinks Chicago is wonderful just the way it is.

That is baseball’s greatness. It’s not necessary to have the greatest stars or the largest salary. Anyone can defeat anyone if they play well. I felt good about the Diamondbacks. At CBT (Competitive Balance Tax) levels, we are exactly there. It feels somewhat natural to us. That ought to be sufficient to win our division and maintain consistency each year.

Bellinger’s absence creates a significant hole in the lineup, particularly for a club that already lacks depth at catcher and third base. Although it would provide Chicago a much-needed boost in the middle of the batting order if the All-Star slugger returned, that currently looks doubtful.

Ricketts thinks Chicago should already be the favorites to win the NL Central, despite some people being doubtful of the Cubs’ chances of winning the division and the World Series.Jed, in my opinion, had an excellent offseason. A few new components that will improve the overall result have been introduced. We should be the favorites in our category this year, in my opinion.

If nothing else, Ricketts is making it abundantly evident that he will not be engaging in any negotiations with Bellinger and his agent Scott Boras. The owner of Chicago is happy with the team as it is, and any additions made this season will need to go via the club’s approval.