It’s interesting to see how both Chicago franchises are seemingly stepping back from pursuing the biggest names in baseball, especially given their market size and the potential impact of adding generational talents like Shohei Ohtani or Juan Soto.
Jerry Reinsdorf’s quick dismissal of the White Sox’s interest in Ohtani last offseason felt almost like a punchline. He used humor to deflect attention from the reality that, despite being in one of the largest markets, the White Sox have remained reluctant to make a splash on elite free agents. That nonchalant attitude raised eyebrows, especially considering how transformative a player like Ohtani would be for any team.
Now, we’re seeing a similar narrative play out on the North Side. Jed Hoyer’s clear-cut stance on the Cubs’ disinterest in pursuing Soto—announced almost immediately after the Dodgers won the World Series—feels like déjà vu. It’s surprising, given the Cubs’ upward trajectory and the fact that adding a player like Soto could significantly bolster their lineup. The Cubs just came off a season where they showed signs of promise; yet, by ruling themselves out of the Soto sweepstakes, it sends a message that they may not be as aggressive in pushing toward contention as fans might hope.
Both teams seem to be leaning into fiscal conservatism or, at least, careful roster management, which doesn’t sit well with fans eager to see a return to glory for their clubs. In a market like Chicago, where fans are passionate and the pressure to compete is high, these decisions could have lasting impacts on public perception and ticket sales.
It almost feels like the Cubs and White Sox are playing it safe, but in doing so, they risk falling further behind in a league where star power and marquee names can change the trajectory of a franchise overnight.
