Chicago Cubs owner, Tom Ricketts, revealed that the team is currently in a waiting game for free agent Cody Bellinger and his agent, Scott Boras, to initiate contract negotiations. Despite having discussions, full-scale negotiations are yet to commence. Bellinger, who won comeback player of the year last season with the Cubs, had an impressive performance hitting .307 with 26 home runs. The Cubs are looking forward to engaging with Bellinger and his agent when they are ready to negotiate seriously, with the speculated contract amount believed to be well over $200 million.

Ricketts explained that they are not rushing into making big money outlays, insisting on consistency in their approach to team building. The Cubs made modest moves this offseason, adding key players like starter Shota Imanaga and reliever Hector Neris, along with acquiring rookie corner infielder Michael Busch. However, there is acknowledgment of the team's requirement for an impactful player like Bellinger to fill the void in their lineup.

Despite the escalating waiting game, Ricketts expressed confidence in the team's potential, suggesting that they could be favored in their division this year. Emphasizing the unpredictability of baseball, Ricketts referenced the success of lower-seeded teams in recent seasons, highlighting the Arizona Diamondbacks' journey to the World Series as an example.

Ricketts indicated that the Cubs' payroll is currently around $200 million, emphasizing their commitment to competing within the Competitive Balance Tax levels. While acknowledging the need for increased revenues to potentially elevate the team's payroll, Ricketts is focusing on maximizing the roster's capabilities to maintain a competitive edge in the league.