The Chicago Cubs’ 2024 season fell short of expectations, and manager Craig Counsell highlighted the gap between the Cubs and division champions, the Milwaukee Brewers. Although the Cubs are willing to spend in free agency, they face tough competition for pitcher **Max Fried**, particularly from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Fried’s hometown team. Spotrac projects Fried to sign a six-year, $136 million deal. The Cubs do have connections to Fried through Dansby Swanson and Pete Crow-Armstrong, but with the Dodgers’ financial strength and star lineup, Chicago’s chances seem slim.