They did, but before they did they suffered, hard. Lost 100 games three seasons in a row. And in those seasons they made some mind numbing signings like Edwin Jackson and David DeJesus and traded away minor league players that turned out to be good major leaguers.
The fact is Theo's last couple years in free agency have sucked, and the 2015-2016 seasons have largely bouyed them and brought them the playoffs. If Theo made better moves or even did NOT make certain moves, they might have more rings rights now. I'm sure they would rather have Arrieta instead of a Darvish right now and especially last season.
Those very same top of the line, quality free agents are sinking them right now. The cubs aren't perfect, Darvish, Heyward, descalso, chatwood, morrow are not really glowing reports
and if this is what Kimbrel really is, they are in deep shit.
Just looks like they are remaking the try hards that ultimately get bounced in the first or second round by a team with superstars. Bubububut two years from now flexibility to add superstar!
rinse repeat