Cubs: Addison Russell move shows team is committed to change
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most quiet teams thus far in the offseason, but after non-tendering Addison Russell, it shows that the team is committed to a change.
The Chicago Cubs needed a change after missing the postseason for the first time in four years. Theo Epstein said via NBCS Chicago that “You are likely to see a change in this organization.”
But so far, the only move that Epstein has made was announcing that Joe Maddon was fired and that they were looking for a new manager. A couple of days after firing Maddon, Epstein and the Cubs announced that former player David Ross will be the next manager of the team.
The Cubs had a big decision to make as the MLB deadline to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players was on Monday. So they had to prove to Cubs fans that they have committed to a change this offseason with having Addison Russell as an eligible player to be non-tendered.
And right before the deadline, the Cubs did announce that Russell will be non-tendered. The Cubs saved $5 million in doing that, which can help them in so many ways. He is only 25 years old, once a top prospect in baseball, Russell just hasn’t lived up to his expectations. After serving a 40-game suspension last year for domestic violence allegations, I’m surprised the Cubs even let him play at all last year.
Since Javier Baez took over at shortstop full time, there isn’t any place for Russell to play, so I think this move is good for the Cubs and shows that they indeed are committed to a change.
The Cubs in terms of moves thus far in the offseason has been silent. They’ve made a couple of signings, but nothing to show that they’re committed to a change yet. But now that we are in December, the Winter Meetings are here. So expect the Cubs to bounce back and sign a couple of guys to help improve this roster.
Homer Bailey an underrated 5th starter for Cubs. dark. Next
I do expect the Cubs to bounce back during the Winter Meetings and sign a couple of big-name free agents, like a Madison Bumgarner or Josh Donaldson.