"In years past, the Cubs have dealt with a significant number of arbitration-eligible players, which can mean big increases in payroll as high performers near the ends of their rookie deals. Even if this was something I didn't already understand quite clearly, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts provided an impromptu lesson in the lobby of the Loews Hotel in the wee hours of Saturday morning a few years back."
"Not only do the Cubs have just four eligible players, but their projected salaries for 2026 come to roughly $11.5 million in total. More than half of that comes from Justin Steele, who MLB Trade Rumors' Matt Swartz projects at a mere $6.55 million. What would otherwise seem like a...steal...is not nearly as much of a bargain considering the lefty may not be able to pitch much, if at all, next season. That said, it's a pittance relative to his talent."
"While $1.1 million is an easy sell when discussing a proven reliever, Eli Morgan is anything but. His outlier 2024 campaign saw him appear in only 32 games after 61 appearances the previous season. And that 1.93 ERA varies wildly from his other seasons, especially his abbreviated 2025 season that featured only seven appearances and a 12.27 ERA before an elbow issue sidelined him."
Arbitration-eligible players often drive large payroll increases as high performers near the ends of rookie contracts. The Cubs currently have four arbitration-eligible players with projected 2026 salaries totaling roughly $11.5 million. Justin Steele accounts for more than half of that projection at about $6.55 million, though his ability to pitch next season is uncertain. Javier Assad projects just under $2 million. Eli Morgan's recent performance and elbow issues create uncertainty; he posted a 1.93 ERA in 2024 but regressed in 2025 before the injury, making a non-tender possible. Team tendencies favor retaining acquired players but financial and health concerns complicate decisions.
Read at Cubsinsider
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