Obviously, Cubs have a bigger market than St.L and, in long run, have more revenue capacity. But, Cards have been outspending Cubs payroll 4 years in a row and counting.
And, there is the elephant in the room for next few seasons: debt service and MLB debt ratio rules. Cubs cannot spend whatever they want. And, revenue increases thru 2019 will be incremental. No reason at all to think Cubs will be outspending Cards for next few seasons. And, Cards have a $1 billion TV deal in place---and Cubs don't.
Theo and Ricketts keeps repeating same thing over and over and over: big revenues don't start until after 2019. We should listen to them. They are telling you something that should not be ignored. If you are expecting a massive payroll increase in 2016, guessing you will be disappointed.