Chicago Cubs: The good, bad, and ugly heading into Opening Day
By JACOB GRANT
The Chicago Cubs have one major issue that they need to fix as soon as possible.
Expiring Contracts
Let’s address the elephant in the room. This may be the last season with a majority of the aforementioned core. The last dance if you will. With the departures of Schwarber and Lester, it is apparent that those 2016 Cubs are no more.
The contract situation is very daunting for a front office that is acting very frugal. There has been no mention of a contract extension for Baez, Bryant, and Rizzo before the season starts.
As I asked before, what is the hold-up? There is a growing belief that if the Cubs do not get off to a hot start, they will look to be sellers at the deadline. Baez, Bryant, and Rizzo all UFA at the end of 2021. In addition, Contreras is set to be a free agent in 2022.
Out of the four, Bryant and Contreras have been in the rumor mill the most. Bryant trade rumors have been swirling ever since the service time dispute. Meanwhile, it seems like the Cubs don’t think they can keep Baez, Rizzo, and Contreras. AKA, Contreras is the odd man out.
It is a sad conclusion to come to as a sports fan. The team that brought you so much joy just five years ago is gone in what seems like a blink of an eye. A moment that Cubs fans never thought they would see. The Chicago Cubs were World Series Champions.
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No matter what happens in 2021, we will always have that moment. As far as what’s next, either continued success or back to being the lovable losers.