But there's a glaring reason that seems to explain the sudden change-of-heart.
For years, the Chicago Cubs have notoriously refused to defer money or offer early opt-outs in free agent contracts. Meanwhile, the market has shifted, making both of those things increasingly important to players and agents alike.
It's really put Jed Hoyer and the front office behind the eight-ball in free-agent pursuits - until now, when Ricketts finally changed his tune, allowing his front office to defer more than half of Alex Bregman's five-year, $175 million contract.