Chicago Cubs payroll down an estimated $55 million

Trading Cody Bellinger marked the Cubs’ largest payroll reduction, as he was owed $25 million for 2025. Additionally, Chicago sent $5 million to the New York Yankees as part of the deal. Isaac Paredes was also traded, with an estimated $6.9 million remaining on his contract. Kyle Hendricks, who earned $16.5 million last year, left via free agency. Furthermore, several players, including Patrick Wisdom, Mike Tauchman, and Nick Madrigal, were non-tendered, while Christian Bethancourt and Yency Almonte were outrighted.

Additions this off-season that impacted payroll

Acquiring Kyle Tucker was the Cubs’ most significant move in terms of payroll, as he is owed $16.7 million next season. The addition of Matthew Boyd stands as their top free-agent signing, with a $29 million commitment over the next two years, including $10 million impacting next year’s payroll. Additionally, the Cubs made several under-the-radar MLB moves, including signing Caleb Thielbar and Carson Kelly, claiming Rob Zastryzny, and selecting Gage Workman in the Rule 5 Draft.

The Chicago Cubs estimated payroll for 2025 is down $55 million compared to the end of last season

According to Fangraphs, the Cubs ended last season with $228 million tied up in their team.  After the moves made this off-season, their opening day payroll is projected to be $173 million.  There is still time left in the off-season to make moves of significant impact and improve the roster, thus raising payroll.  It will be interesting to see how the next few months transpire and if Jed Hoyer is content with his roster or not.