Chicago Cubs: 3 takeaways from Cole Hamels deal

Hamels deal could impact approach to free agency

Whether the Hamels deal will impact how the Cubs approach free agency seems to be open for debate. Some will argue that the Cubs have a ton of money to spend because they are not concerned with going over the luxury tax threshold.

However, there are still others who aren’t so sure that is true. Cue tweet from ESPN’s baseball insider Buster Olney who reported that the feeling around the league is that the Cubs have very limited payroll flexibility this offseason. That is what happens when you commit about a bajillion dollars to Darvish and Jason Heyward. Not to mention the number of core, homegrown players who will be coming up on free agency soon.

That’s kind of problematic because there are a couple of free agents that could be a tremendous help to the Cubs, but both are going to cost a few bucks. First, there is Manny Machado, who I had previously argued should be the Cubs priority this offseason. However, that was before he revealed himself as a dirty player in the NLCS and then openly admitted he’s allergic to hustling.

Behind door number two is Bryce Harper, who Cubs fans have been smitten with for years. Apparently, he has already decided where he is signing. Maybe so, or maybe that is a ploy by his agent to get other teams to up their ante. More than likely, it was a joke.

In any event, regardless of who the Cubs pursue (if either of them) signing Hamels could certainly have an impact. I understand there is some disagreement on the Cubs financial situation, but if they had to deal Smyly to the Rangers to free up $7 million in what amounts to pocket change for an MLB team, then maybe their fiscal restraints are not overblown.