So, at least one more season of Bellinger... are the Cubs done?

[Brock Beauchamp]

I kinda feel like the Cubs are done after the Bellinger signing but with Montgomery and Snell still out there, I feel that's a big mistake on their part. The NLC is wide open, just waiting for a team to step into the lead. And now that the Cubs aren't committed for 5+ years to Bellinger, they are no longer hamstrung by multiple long-term deals that could hurt them in 2028 and beyond.

It feels like a pretty big mistake to not make a push for one of the two remaining pitchers, particularly Snell (though I find him borderline unwatchable, he's head and shoulders above Montgomery).

[Bertz]

I wouldn't be surprised if the team actually goes the other way and makes a minor sell move, like sending Patrick Wisdom out.  The team needs the 40 man spot, Patrick's somewhat superfluous, and it would give them a little more wiggle room under the LT that they can hopefully use at the deadline.

I don't expect a Montgomery or Snell.  I know they're still on the market but it's not as hard to see viable alternatives for their services as it was Bellinger.  I think they come in much closer to sticker price than Cody.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I have been pretty steadfast that the LT line is not a hard limit, but now that we have Cody's deal clarified I don't think there's any chance of getting Montgomery or Snell.  That would've required Cody taking a longer term deal at a lower AAV, IMO.  Because while the LT line isn't a hard limit, and if you are going over it I do believe it makes sense to go more than a little over, I have my doubts they'd push into the 20M+ band, and the construction of the roster(especially after Bellinger's contract) leaves them vulnerable to the 3 time repeat payer penalty that I also think they'll try to avoid.

Where I do think there's maybe a chance for a bigger splash now is at the deadline.  By then you'll have a much better idea if Bellinger is opting out, and there's more impactful talent potentially available that doesn't necessarily require a longer commitment(gumming up the 3 year timeline) and/or doesn't risk the 3 year repeat issue due to their contract value.

[Rcal10]

39 minutes ago, Bertz said:

I wouldn't be surprised if the team actually goes the other way and makes a minor sell move, like sending Patrick Wisdom out.  The team needs the 40 man spot, Patrick's somewhat superfluous, and it would give them a little more wiggle room under the LT that they can hopefully use at the deadline.

I don't expect a Montgomery or Snell.  I know they're still on the market but it's not as hard to see viable alternatives for their services as it was Bellinger.  I think they come in much closer to sticker price than Cody.

I can see this happening as well. Maybe deal Amyly and eat half his contract too. Saves then more money. Basically trade him for nothing.