It has been 4 years for the reason that Chicago Cubs commenced essentially the most notorious fireplace sale in crew historical past. On the commerce deadline in 2021, Chicago dealt away core gamers Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez for varied prospects. Whereas the Cubs haven’t gone to the postseason since dealing away Bryant, Rizzo, and Baez, all three of these gamers haven’t been practically as productive since they left Chicago. Regardless of the Cubs’ lack of success in recent times, Chicago did the proper factor on the 2021 commerce deadline.
The Cubs Failed To Dwell Up To The Dynasty Expectations
Embed from Getty Pictures
Led by a core that includes Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javier Baez, the Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year curse by profitable the 2016 World Sequence. The Cubs lineup had many gamers that weren’t attributable to be free company for not less than one other 4 years. Many individuals thought that the Cubs had been a dynasty within the making. Nevertheless, the lofty dynasty expectations had been by no means met. Chicago would seem within the postseason simply three extra occasions and didn’t return to the World Sequence.
The Notorious Fireplace Sale
On the commerce deadline, Chicago’s file was beneath .500, and so they had been additionally on a four-game shedding streak. The Cubs had been nicely behind the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. Their wild card probabilities weren’t a lot better. As a substitute of making an attempt for a postseason spot, the Cubs initiated a fireplace sale. The core of the 2016 World Sequence-winning crew was traded away.
Kris Bryant was traded to the San Francisco Giants in trade for prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Kilian. Anthony Rizzo was dealt away to the New York Yankees for money and prospects Alexander Vizcaino and Kevin Alcantara. Javier Baez was shipped to the New York Mets for then-prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong. All three gamers had been anticipated to be free brokers after that season. Whereas the Cubs haven’t made it again to the postseason for the reason that fireplace sale, Bryant, Baez, and Rizzo weren’t practically as productive after leaving Chicago.
Kris Bryant Is Now A Shell Of Himself
Embed from Getty Pictures
Kris Bryant’s keep within the Bay wasn’t spectacular, nevertheless, he did assist the Giants make it to the postseason. He was arguably San Francisco’s greatest hitter within the playoffs as nicely. The previous NL MVP later parlayed that right into a seven-year, $182 million cope with the Colorado Rockies. This was the most important deal handed out within the Rockies franchise historical past. Bryant signing with the Rockies was a giant shock, provided that the crew didn’t re-sign Trevor Story and traded Nolan Arenado. Nevertheless, Bryant has spent extra time on the injured checklist than on the sector.
In three seasons in Denver, the four-time all-star has solely appeared in 159 video games attributable to varied accidents. He’s by no means surpassed taking part in in 100 video games for the Rockies. The craziest factor about Kris Bryant’s decline is that it was so abrupt. Throughout the uncommon occasions the four-time all-star has been on the sector, he’s produced an terrible WAR of -1.3 in these three seasons. The 33-year-old has even gone so far as to specific remorse for signing with the franchise. Bryant went from a surefire Corridor of Famer to a participant simply making an attempt to remain wholesome.
Anthony Rizzo Wasn’t The Identical Participant
Embed from Getty Pictures
Anthony Rizzo was a productive participant for the Yankees. New York even signed him to a two-year, $40 million extension. Nevertheless, the three-time all-star wasn’t practically the offensive power he was for the Cubs. The 35-year-old by no means hit greater than 75 RBI and was always affected by accidents. Final season was a career-worst yr for Anthony Rizzo. This offseason, the Yankees paid him a six-million-dollar buyout, successfully ending his time within the Bronx. He’s nonetheless presently a free agent, and no crew has severely tried to signal him.
Javy Baez Has Develop into Arguably The Worst Participant In The League
Embed from Getty Pictures
After having a tumultuous stint with the Mets, Javy Baez grew to become a free agent. He signed a six-year, $140 million cope with the Detroit Tigers. Since signing with Detroit, Baez has struggled badly. In three seasons within the Motor Metropolis, Baez has slashed .221/.262/.347 with simply 32 homers, 163 RBI, and a .610 OPS. It must be famous that his numbers have steadily declined in every of these seasons. Final season, he solely appeared in 80 video games attributable to needing hip surgical procedure. Mockingly, the Tigers performed a lot better with him out of the lineup. Baez’s contract has been described because the worst deal in baseball and presumably all of American sports activities!
The Cubs Would’ve Paid Extra For Their Demise
Embed from Getty Pictures
As onerous because it was to see Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, and Javy Baez depart, the Cubs did the proper factor. Given how all three gamers’ manufacturing declined, the Cubs’ fortunes would nonetheless be the identical as they’re now. Regardless of having all three gamers within the lineup, the Cubs had been a crew that was steadily trending downward after 2016. Had they stored a number of of these gamers, Chicago would’ve paid considerably more cash for his or her demise. Life is about timing, and the Cubs broke up the core at precisely the proper time.
For extra on baseball, try Stomach Up Sports activities and comply with Eric on Twitter/X. Featured pictures: Getty Pictures