<p>The <strong>2026 season</strong> brings renewed focus to the financial backbone of the <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-cubs">Chicago Cubs</a></strong>, where contract values quietly outline the team’s hierarchy. Behind the box scores, the payroll tells its own story about who the organization trusts most.</p>



<p>Veterans and cornerstone pieces such as <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/dansby-swanson">Dansby Swanson</a></strong> occupy prominent spots within that structure. Some deals reflect both performance and expectation, anchoring a roster built to remain competitive over the long haul.</p>



<p>As salaries continue to shape <strong>roster construction across the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb">MLB</a></strong>, their top earners offer a glimpse into its strategic balance of experience, stability and upside, revealing how those commitments align with their broader ambitions.</p>



<h2>Who are the highest-paid Cubs in 2026?</h2>



<p>The Chicago Cubs’ highest-paid players are led by Alex Bregman, whose five-year, $175 million contract places him at the top of the team’s salary structure with $32.5 million, according to Spotrac’s 2026 payroll projections. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.bolavip.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/02/24093317/Alex-Bregnan-and-Dansby-Swanson-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-585867"></figure><figcaption>Alex Bregman and Dansby Swanson (Source: Chris Coduto/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<p>His average annual value ranks among the largest commitments on the roster, reflecting the franchise’s major investment in adding a proven impact bat. Right behind him is <strong>Dansby Swanson</strong> <strong>with $25.2 million</strong>, one of the cornerstones of the lineup.</p>


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<p>These contracts outline the <strong>financial core of the roster</strong>. The distribution of salary reflects a blend of veteran stability and strategic acquisitions, showing where the organization has chosen to concentrate its biggest investments heading into the 2026 season.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Player</strong></td><td><strong>Position</strong></td><td><strong>Luxury tax</strong></td><td><strong>Type</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Alex Bregman</td><td>3B</td><td>$32.5 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Dansby Swanson</td><td>SS</td><td>$25.2 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Shota Imanaga</td><td>SP</td><td>$22 million</td><td>Qualifying offer</td></tr><tr><td>Ian Happ</td><td>LF</td><td>$22 million </td><td>Extension</td></tr><tr><td>Jameson Taillon</td><td>SP</td><td>$17 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Seiya Suzuki</td><td>OF</td><td>$17 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Matthew Boyd</td><td>SP</td><td>$14.5 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Nico Hoerner</td><td>2B</td><td>$11.6 million</td><td>Extension</td></tr><tr><td>Phil Maton</td><td>RP</td><td>$7.2 million</td><td>Free agent</td></tr><tr><td>Justin Steele</td><td>SP</td><td>$6.7 million</td><td>Arbitration 3</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>(Source: Spotrac)</figcaption></figure>

Chicago Cubs highest-paid players in 2026: The team’s top earners

Chicago Cubs highest-paid players in 2026: The team’s top earners - Bolavip US

miniaturas

<p>The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/is-aaron-judge-the-only-mlb-player-with-60-home-runs-in-the-21th-century-20221009-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>New York Yankees’</strong></a> cycle was on full display again this season. They were linked to every star, then <strong><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-news-brian-cashman-breaks-the-silence-on-the-yankees-offseason-20220330-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brian Cashman</a> decided not to overpay, </strong>and the team fell short in the postseason. It seems like <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-playoff-format-2022-schedule-bracket-key-dates-and-teams-20221006-0033.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>a matchup</strong></a> with the <strong>Houston Astros </strong>has been this team’s ceiling for years.</p>
<p>The Yankees could’ve had <strong>Manny Machado </strong>and/or <strong>Bryce Harper</strong>. They could’ve pursued <strong>Carlos Correa, Carlos Rodon, Robbie Ray,</strong> or traded for<strong> Luis Castillo.</strong> Instead, they traded for an aging, injury-prone <strong>Josh Donaldson </strong>making nearly $30 million.</p>
<p>We’re talking about a team that’s spent $3 billion since 2009and has <strong>no <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/mlb/mlb-world-series-2022-trophy-name-cost-weight-height-and-history-20221023-0029.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">World Series</a> to show for it</strong>, and it’s hard to justify Cashman keeping his job. So, if he wants to turn things around once and for all, he should target — and get — at least two of these players.</p>
<h2>MLB Rumors: 3 Players Yankees Should Target In Free Agency</h2>
<h3>3. Dansby Swanson</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221024_BUS_203643_dansby_swanson.jpg_22993414_850e1fc6.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Dansby Swanson – Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p><strong>Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Josh Donaldson, and Gelyber Torres </strong>combined for 39 fielding errors last season. That shouldn’t happen with a defensive specialist such as<strong> Dansby Swanson</strong> taking over the starting SS spot.</p>
<p>Moreover, Swanson made great strides as a hitter this season, hitting .277 with an OBP of .329. The <strong>Atlanta Braves </strong>will sure love to keep him around, but it doesn’t sound like he’s got that on his plans right now.</p>
<h3>2. Willson Contreras</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221024_BUS_203643_willson_contreras_x1x.jpg_22993414_f76d9257.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Willson Contreras – Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>Neither <strong>Jose Trevino,</strong> nor <strong>Kyle Higashioka </strong>have ever been or will ever be consistent hitters. That’s why the Yankees need to break the bank and pay<strong> Willson Contreras</strong> as much as he wants, as he’s one of the best in business in that regard among catchers.</p>
<p>The Yankees’ bottom of the order was horrible for the most part of the year, and it sure showed up in the postseason. The former<strong> Chicago Cubs</strong> star doesn’t strike out often, and he can hit for power and average while also being a great defender.</p>
<h3>1. Trea Turner</h3>
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20221024_BUS_203643_trea_turner_1.jpg_22993414_0641a41d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Trea Turner – Getty Images   </figcaption></figure>
<p></p></div>
<p>With <strong>DJ LeMahieu </strong>struggling with injuries, the Yankees struggled vastly to get on base. They need a leadoff hitter who can actually… lead off the offense, and<strong> Trea Turner </strong>is one of the best in the game.</p>
<p>The Yankees need a shortstop who can live up to<strong> Derek Jeter’s </strong>standards. The<strong> Los Angeles Dodgers</strong> failed to extend Turner and risk losing him in free agency, and the Yankees simply cannot afford to miss out on this chance.</p>

MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras and free agency targets for the Yankees

MLB Rumors: Willson Contreras and free agency targets for the Yankees - Bolavip US

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