Cubs Prepared to Add Payroll at Trade Deadline

Owner Tom Ricketts says the team has flexibility to spend if needed to stay competitive.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 4:31am

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The Chicago Cubs have been aggressive in the offseason, signing third baseman Alex Bregman and trading for pitcher Edward Cabrera. However, owner Tom Ricketts says the team is prepared to add more payroll at the trade deadline if necessary to stay competitive, even if it means going over the luxury tax threshold.

Why it matters

The Cubs are aiming for a deep playoff run in 2026 and have built an impressive roster. But with the luxury tax threshold looming, the team's willingness to spend more at the deadline could be a key factor in whether they are able to make the necessary upgrades to contend.

The details

The Cubs currently have the eighth-highest payroll in baseball at just over $230 million, putting them close to the first luxury tax threshold. However, Ricketts says the tax thresholds are not the biggest factor, and the team is more focused on what they can afford and the revenue opportunities available. Ricketts says the team always has flexibility at the deadline to make moves if needed.

  • The Cubs made major offseason moves, signing Alex Bregman and trading for Edward Cabrera.

The players

Tom Ricketts

Owner of the Chicago Cubs.

Alex Bregman

Third baseman signed by the Cubs in free agency.

Edward Cabrera

Pitcher traded to the Cubs from the Miami Marlins.

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What they’re saying

“The tax thresholds are something that we keep an eye on just because if you go over by a little bit, you can cost yourself a draft pick or something like that. But effectively, the way we put our finances together is more related to what we can afford as a club and what falls out of all the different revenue opportunities that we try to take advantage of. So it isn't really the big factor this year.”

— Tom Ricketts, Owner

“I say this every year — for the last 16 seasons. There's always flexibility at the deadline.”

— Tom Ricketts, Owner

What’s next

The Cubs will continue to monitor their payroll and luxury tax situation as the trade deadline approaches, and they are prepared to add more players if needed to stay competitive.

The takeaway

The Cubs' willingness to spend at the trade deadline, even if it means going over the luxury tax threshold, shows their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. This flexibility could be a key factor in whether they are able to make the necessary upgrades to contend in 2026.