Chicago Cubs: Russell’s huge World Series campaign goes unmatched

The Chicago Cubs took over Major League Baseball by putting up impressive offensive numbers. Not to mention, their defense was one of the best in all of the league.

In 2015, the Chicago Cubs shocked the world when they not only reached the postseason but eliminated the St. Louis Cardinals. Following the dismissal of the Redbirds, the Cubs found themselves in the LCS.

Prior to their matchup with the New York Mets, their last LCS appearance came back in 2003 against the Florida Marlins. Having a 3-1 lead in that season only to watch it disappear right before their eyes. Florida went on to win the World Series over the Yankees.

Who knows, maybe the Cubs would have swept the Yankees in 2003, ending their curse. However, the drought would continue through 2015.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs: Adrian Sampson is forcing his way into the conversation
• Projecting the Chicago Cubs bullpen to open the 2023 season
• Cubs fans are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel
• Justin Steele has evolved into a frontline starter for the Cubs
• The future of first base is murky right now for the Cubs

For the young infielder, Addison Russell, it came to a heartbreaking end. After ripping through his first year in the Majors with 13 homers, 54 RBI, and moving from second base to shortstop. Aside from Kris Bryant, Russell had some eyes on him.

Flashback to Game 3 of the NLDS with Russell in the batter’s box. Addison connected on a pitch that looked as if it was going to leave the yard. Instead, it stayed inside the diamond, forcing Russell to leg out extra bases.

Brickwall

Russell slid into third head first and ended up leaving with a hamstring injury. Little did he know, that injury would keep him out of action throughout the LCS. Heartbreaking stuff. Rather than sulking, Russell rooted for his teammates and went right back to work.

We all knew that Russell was going to want to come back stronger than ever, hoping to top his rookie campaign performance. And boy did he ever. There hasn’t been a shortstop in Cubs history who has put up the numbers that Addison did in 2016 since Ernie Banks.

That’s hard to believe, right? Take a look at his numbers. In 525 at-bats, Russell flexed for 21 homers, 95 RBI, 25 doubles, and three triples all while slashing .238/.321/.417/.738. He is no Bryant or Anthony Rizzo but those are pretty impressive stats considering his position.

Not to mention, he isn’t built like a heavy hitting shortstop such as Troy Tulowitzki. Either way, he got the job done. When it came to the postseason, Addison Muscle went off.

Next: Cubs didn't need Lackey in the postseason

Sure, he found himself in a bit of a slump but he did come through with a couple of huge hits including a Grand Slam in Game 6 of the World Series. Russell ended his World Series campaign with three big flies and 13 runs driven in.

What more could you ask for? How will he perform in 2017? If this is an indication of what’s to come, both Rizzo and Bryant could have some competition when it comes to MVP honors. Oh, and let’s not forget Kyle Schwarber.

The future is bright.