The Chicago Cubs are not one the final teams reported to be in the running for international free agent Roki Sasaki. While Sasaki is expected to make a decision after the new signing period begins, other teams, like the Cubs, will be busy announcing signings. Here, we preview who we expect they will sign in this year’s class.
How much money do the Chicago Cubs have to spend on international free agents during the 2025 signing period?
Starting January 15, the Cubs will have a modest $6,261,600 to spend during the 2025 international signing period. This is about middle of the pack, as they will have approximately $1.3 million less to spend than the top clubs and $1.1 million more than the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have one of the lowest bonus pools.
Of note, whichever team ends up signing Roki Sasaki will be subject to staying within the financial constraints of their international bonus pool. This is why the Dodgers have seen several previously verbally committed prospects declare that they are signing elsewhere.
Who are the Chicago Cubs expected to sign?
According to MLB.com and Baseball America, the Cubs are expected to sign two top 15 teenage prospects in this year’s international signing period (rankings per MLB Pipeline). Shortstops Juan Cabada (ranked 10th) and Wilfry De La Cruz (ranked 13th) out of the Dominican Republic are expected to sign with Chicago. Cabada is a left-handed hitter with an advanced hit tool whereas De La Cruz is a switch-hitting twitchy athlete who towers at 6’3″ tall.
Last year the Cubs signed 13 players when the international signing period initially opened, with Fernando Cruz receiving a $4 million bonus. Expect them to commit a large portion of their bonus pool to Juan Cabada and Wilfry De La Cruz, but several other players will also be signed.
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