Asked Saturday whether the competitive balance tax played a role in the Cubs’ offseason plans, Theo Epstein summarily brushed the notion aside. There is, however, a budget in place that limits the flexibility the front office has to add to a payroll that is currently estimated to come in around $227 million after bonuses and arbitration raises.
“The CBT threshold is not dictating any of our actions or inaction this winter at all,” Epstein said. “We’re not governed by that. There are times when strategically you wanna make sure you’re under it or where you don’t mind going above it.