In a month's time, the sounds and sights of spring training will fill the air - and the 2026 Chicago Cubs be taking their first steps toward the ultimate goal: bringing a World Series championship back to the North Side.
Coming off a 92-win regular season capped by a playoff run that fell one win shy of an NLCS appearance, Jed Hoyer delivered his best offseason to-date, headlined by the recent Edward Cabrera trade and Alex Bregman signing. The constant criticism over the team's lack of spending has been quieted - and Chicago projects to carry its highest Opening Day payroll ever this season.