Chicago Cubs: Why this was the worst offseason of all-time

Character Issues

Let’s just get the heaviest topic out of the way here.

Without getting into too much political detail, let’s just say this: There were a lot of character questions involving numerous figures of the Chicago Cubs organization this offseason. Ultimately, that was one of the biggest headlines surrounding the club since the final out of the World Series given the team’s minimal roster moves throughout the winter.

Shortstop Addison Russell had already been suspended 40 games by Major League Baseball and won’t be eligible to play until May 3.

There was some discussion over whether the Cubs would tender Russell a contract, but the team ultimately decided to retain him. Russell was given a $200,000 raise and will likely be the regular shortstop upon his return.

Unfortunately, Russell’s controversial return wasn’t the only heated topic of discussion among Cubs fans. Joe Ricketts, the patriarch of the Ricketts family who owns the Cubs was heavily criticized for his racially-charged emails on race and Islam.

At the beginning of February, a collection of Islamophobic and hateful emails sent by Ricketts was leaked, causing many fans to express outrage over the discriminatory emails. The Cubs organization issued an apology shortly after, but for many fans it was too much.