Chicago invested $206 million building their 2025 roster, ranking 10th in MLB. Dansby Swanson leads the team at $25 million annually while Shota Imanaga ($13M), Seiya Suzuki ($18M), and Ian Happ ($18M) form the competitive core.
The Cubs balance veteran contracts with emerging talent like Pete Crow-Armstrong ($771K) and Michael Busch ($780K). Chicago’s spending reflects commitment to playoff contention after years of rebuilding following their 2016 World Series championship.
Explore Chicago Cubs player biography and roster information for complete team analysis.
| Position | Player |
| SP | Shota Imanaga |
| SP | Jameson Taillon |
| SP | Matthew Boyd |
| SP | Ben Brown |
| SP | Justin Steele |
| RP | Ryan Pressly |
| RP | Ryan Brasier |
| RP | Caleb Thielbar |
| RP | Brad Keller |
| RP | Daniel Palencia |
| C | Carson Kelly |
| C | Miguel Amaya |
| 1B | Michael Busch |
| 2B | Nico Hoerner |
| SS | Dansby Swanson |
| 3B | Matt Shaw |
| LF | Ian Happ |
| CF | Pete Crow-Armstrong |
| RF | Kyle Tucker |
| DH | Seiya Suzuki |
Highest-Paid Chicago Cubs Players Lead Payroll
Swanson earns $25 million through his seven-year, $177 million deal signed in December 2022. The shortstop’s defensive excellence justifies the investment despite offensive production below expectations.
Suzuki and Happ both make $18 million in 2025. Suzuki’s five-year, $85 million contract runs through 2026 with club options for 2027-28. Happ extended through 2026 with a $17 million club option for 2027.
| Player | Position | 2025 Salary | Contract Through |
| Dansby Swanson | SS | $25M | 2029 |
| Seiya Suzuki | OF | $18M | 2028 |
| Ian Happ | OF | $18M | 2026 |
| Jameson Taillon | SP | $16.5M | 2026 |
| Shota Imanaga | SP | $13.25M | 2026 |
| Cody Bellinger | 1B/OF | $12.5M | 2027 |
| Colin Rea | SP | $4.25M | 2025 |
| Héctor Neris | RP | $3.5M | 2025 |
| Michael Busch | 3B | $780K | Arb-eligible 2027 |
| Pete Crow-Armstrong | OF | $771K | Arb-eligible 2028 |
Imanaga’s four-year, $53 million deal includes complex option structures. His 2025 salary increases $250K for winning 2024 Rookie of the Year. Performance escalators add value based on Cy Young voting finishes.
Cubs Net Worth and Career Earnings Leaders
Swanson accumulated $55 million in career earnings building a $32 million net worth across Atlanta and Chicago. His current contract guarantees $177 million through 2029.
| Player | 2025 Salary | Career Earnings (Est.) | Net Worth (Est.) | Key Endorsements |
| Dansby Swanson | $25M | $55M | $32M | Rawlings, Nike |
| Ian Happ | $18M | $48M | $28M | Louisville Slugger |
| Seiya Suzuki | $18M | $42M | $25M | Mizuno, Asics |
| Jameson Taillon | $16.5M | $68M | $42M | New Balance |
| Cody Bellinger | $12.5M | $92M | $58M | Nike, New Era |
| Shota Imanaga | $13.25M | $18M | $12M | Mizuno |
Bellinger earned $92 million creating a $58 million net worth across Los Angeles and Chicago. His three-year, $80 million deal includes player options providing flexibility. Taillon collected $68 million over 10 seasons building a $42 million fortune despite injury setbacks.
Starting Rotation Investment Drives Cubs Spending
Chicago allocated $63 million to starting pitchers—31% of total payroll. Taillon ($16.5M) and Imanaga ($13.25M) lead the rotation while Javier Assad ($793K) and Ben Brown ($762K) provide pre-arbitration depth.
| Position Group | Total Spending | Top Earner | Salary |
| Infield | $55M | Dansby Swanson | $25M |
| Outfield | $48M | Seiya Suzuki | $18M |
| Starting Pitchers | $63M | Jameson Taillon | $16.5M |
| Bullpen | $22M | Héctor Neris | $3.5M |
| Catchers | $2M | Miguel Amaya | $782K |
Rea’s $4.25 million contract includes a $6 million club option for 2026. Colin Rea provides innings-eating value while prospects develop. The rotation emphasis reflects Chicago’s pitching-first philosophy under President Jed Hoyer.
Position Players Balance Youth and Experience
Crow-Armstrong earns just $771K patrolling center field while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense. His pre-arbitration status creates exceptional value compared to veteran center fielders commanding $10+ million annually.
Busch makes $780K at third base after arriving via trade from Los Angeles. His power potential justifies everyday playing time while costing league minimum salary. Isaac Paredes earned $3.4 million through arbitration providing infield depth.
The Cubs’ outfield consumed $48 million led by Suzuki and Happ’s $18 million salaries. Bellinger adds $12.5 million playing first base and corner outfield. This allocation demonstrates Chicago’s commitment to offensive production from premium defensive positions.
FAQs
Who is Chicago Cubs’ highest-paid player in 2025?
Dansby Swanson earns $25 million annually through his seven-year, $177 million contract signed in December 2022 running through 2029.
What is Shota Imanaga’s contract structure?
Imanaga earns $13.25 million in 2025 under his four-year, $53 million deal with player and club options plus performance escalators based on Cy Young voting.
How much do the Cubs spend on starting pitching?
Chicago allocated $63 million to starting pitchers representing 31% of their $206 million total payroll led by Taillon and Imanaga.
Why are Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch paid so little?
Both earn league minimum salaries as pre-arbitration players despite everyday roles, providing exceptional roster value while under team control through 2027-28.
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