Though it’ll be a while before any decisions must officially be made, I want to get into this now because MLB Trade Rumors just dropped its 2025 arbitration salary projections. Unlike free agent projections — I can’t let go of the idea that MLBTR had Cody Bellinger getting 12 years, $264 million — these figures tend to be a little more accurate. That doesn’t necessarily make things any easier for Jed Hoyer and the Cubs, especially with 14 arb-eligible players this winter.
This isn’t just about money, it’s about the value of a given roster spot.