There are two ways we can choose to view the titular knowledge, but let’s start with the purely objective fact that the Cubs have not spent a dime in free agency to this point. Outside of signing lefty reliever Edwin Escobar and catcher Jorge Alfaro to minor league deals, they haven’t added to the organization from the outside at all. The Cubs aren’t the only team that’s been measured so far, however, as seven others have also spent nothing.
Free agent spending this winter, by team:
Dodgers: $717M
Phillies: $172M
Diamondbacks: $122M
Giants: $113M
Royals: $105M
Cardinals: $99M
Reds: $87M
Tigers: $42.