To hear some ML owners (or their GM’s) they’re living paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford to dip into the free agent market like they did in the past. Yet, one reads how there is a robust market for Juan Soto and other spotlight free agents this winter.

And no matter how much teams are spending; fans never feel it’s enough especially compared with what they are investing in the team. Most reasonable fans have a pretty fair idea as to what their team will spend in any given off-season. We all know who the big spenders are. Each year there are a few examples of smaller market teams that get the most bang for their buck. That’s why this period is so interesting and important to cheapskates.

Until now the majority of free agent signings have been the minor league variety. Players who were either dfa’d outright or non-tendered contracts became free agents by default. The league and its marketing wing highlight the former 1st round picks that have been cast aside. Editor’s note: They rarely mention that they were first rounders with a previous team so the investment by the current team isn’t as strong. The Cubs recently canned Nick Madrigal and Patrick Wisdom, first-rounders with the White Sox and Cardinals respectively.

While none of these free agents is likely to become an MVP, teams can unearth inexpensive gems. Having more disposable wealth isn’t an advantage at this point. This is where front offices can shine although many of the first guys they sign in November and December may not be with the team come February. Imagine your favorite gin player who is always changing his mind every few seconds or the guys shuffling the chairs on the deck of a ship. Seemingly some GM’s move players around in order to appear busy.

Some of these moves are so insignificant that the teams don’t even note them on their MLB sites as was the case with the Cubs and Phil Bickford. I expect that when it’s announced, it will sound as if he’s the second coming. Minor league contracts with or without invites to spring training don’t impact the 40-man roster (yet).

For teams with small budgets and even lower expectations, November-January can set the tone for the upcoming season. As a Cubs fan, I worry that they’ll be making too many piddly deals.