MLB’s first major offseason date, the tender deadline, is fast approaching. For the Chicago Cubs, no drama is expected, as they have just four arbitration-eligible players this winter. Barring a surprise, the front office is likely to handle the deadline with minimal movement and a straightforward set of decisions.
No Chicago Cubs drama is expected at the tender deadline
November 21 is the deadline for teams to tender contracts to players for the 2026 season. The decision typically impacts arbitration-eligible players the most, since their salaries are higher than those of pre-arbitration players. Anyone who is non-tendered becomes a free agent immediately afterward.
This year, catcher Reese McGuire and pitchers Justin Steele, Eli Morgan, and Javier Assad are the only Cubs players eligible for arbitration. According to MLB Trade Rumors, McGuire is projected to earn $1.9 million in 2026, Steele $6.55 million, Morgan $1.1 million, and Assad $1.9 million. All four figures fall well within a reasonable range, making it unlikely that anyone will be non-tendered as a payroll causality.
Of the group, McGuire is the most likely to be non-tendered. Chicago already has Miguel Amaya, Carson Kelly, and Moises Ballesteros on the 40-man roster, so keeping McGuire, who cannot be optioned to the minors, offers little roster flexibility.
Meanwhile, Steele and Assad are all but certain to be tendered contracts. There might be an argument to part ways with Morgan, whose 2025 season was derailed by injury, but given the significant turnover in the bullpen, it would be prudent for the Cubs to keep him on the roster.
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