Ricketts: Cubs have resources to compete, 'will use them' originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
As the Cubs watch the postseason from home this October, team chairman Tom Ricketts emphasized in an open letter to fans the team has resources this winter to compete in 2022.
Whether this was a response to media pushback after team president Jed Hoyer's mixed message at his end-of-season press conference this month, Ricketts' letter was posted to the Cubs' official website Friday — the same day they officially hired a new general manager.
"While we failed to extend our six straight winning seasons streak and secure our spot in the postseason, we made important changes that put us in a position to succeed as we build the next great Cubs team," Ricketts said. "Beginning to replenish our much-improved farm system was just the start.
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"Jed and the team are now focused on reloading our roster. We have the resources necessary to compete in 2022 and beyond, and we will use them. We will be active in free agency and continue to make thoughtful decisions to bolster our team this offseason."
Hoyer also has said in several media sessions since the final weeks of the season the Cubs planned to be active in free agency this winter, but that they would spend "intelligently," which might suggest to some staying away from the top of the market.
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The Cubs won't say how much they plan for their 2022 payroll to be. Hoyer has made more than one reference to ongoing labor negotiations and the uncertainty of what the next collecting bargaining agreement will look like.
The current CBA expires Dec. 1.
The Cubs have only three players signed to guaranteed contracts for 2022: Jason Heyward, Kyle Hendricks and David Bote.
The letter also concluded in part with: "We respect your high expectations, we share your desire to win and we commit to fielding a competitive team reflective of your unrivaled support."
Read the full letter here.
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