The concerns over payroll and the ability to sign free agents to improve the team is clear and obvious. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) reported the Cubs have told low-budget free agents that money must be moved around before initiating negotiations.
Additionally, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported before the meetings began the Cubs were “aggressive” and “motivated” to make a trade. The Cubs have since had discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals about moving former Rookie of the Year and MVP Kris Bryant.