Could Cubs Follow Philadelphia Phillies' Blueprint This Offseason?

The Chicago Cubs are looking to get their club back into the postseason next year for the first time since 2020. Could they use the blueprint of the Philadelphia Phillies to build their roster this offseason?

It's clear that the goal of the Chicago Cubs is to get back into the postseason next year.

That's been stated by ownership, the front office, coaches and the players on the team.

But in a loaded National League, the Cubs will have to deliver this offseason to make sure they can separate themselves as one of the top teams in the league.

To do that, they could draw some inspiration from the Philadelphia Phillies who are now playing in their second consecutive NLCS round after missing the playoffs from 2012-2021.

"That’s why you spend the money, baby," Phillies' superstar Bryce Harper said in his postgame interview after winning the NLDS.

Philadelphia has the fifth highest payroll after signing Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Trea Turner and Zack Wheeler to lucrative contracts.

This was part of the "stupid money" gameplan by managing partner John Middleton.

Chicago will need to do something similar if they want to truly contend.

They have the 11th highest payroll in the league, just above the league average of $165.7 million.

Much of that was boosted last offseason when they brought in Cody Bellinger, Dansby Swanson and Jameson Taillon.

But if the Cubs want to keep Bellinger, they'll have to open up their checkbooks to meet what he'll likely be offered on the market.

If they're able to keep the star outfielder, Chicago will also have to sign other free agents to improve this team.

"There are different ways to build a team that can win a division title. A top-of-the-rotation starter could have an outsized impact ... But equipping the Cubs for next October will likely require two hitters, either Bellinger and another established everyday player or two new additions," writes Patrick Mooney of The Athletic.

To do this, ownership will have to put their money where their mouth is during free agency.