Chicago Cubs: Looking back on some of Theo Epstein’s best trades

We all have to respect what Billy Beane has done for the Oakland Athletics. I mean, Hollywood made a movie about him back in 2011. Moneyball, if you have never watched it. A must see in my opinion.

Having the opportunity to come together with Beane in order to make a deal was huge. You have Epstein on one side, Beane on the other. Epstein adopted Beane’s way of thinking and used it with the Boston Red Sox.

Turning point

He ended one curse, it was time to do the same for another. This is where Addison Russell entered the picture. Oakland was looking to make a serious playoff push and Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel was in their sights.

In return, Beane agreed to part ways with top prospects, Russell and McKinney in addition to a lower-end name, Straily. Straily, as seen earlier, was sent to the Astros for Fowler. Let’s continue.

2014 was a huge year for the Cubs. A month before acquiring Russell, they drafted Kyle Schwarber in the first round. Someone who would team up with Russell later on. Bringing Russell into an already crowded farm system was a plus.

Russell followed Kris Bryant, making his debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Starting off at second base, Addison returned to his normal position at shortstop once Starlin Castro was benched.

Addison Muscle

Although his rookie campaign was nowhere near Bryant’s level, he still managed to handle business. The now 22-year-old shined, hitting 13 long balls and driving in 54 runs during the regular season. However, his postseason experience was cut short when he injured his hamstring against the Cardinals.

A ball that looked as if it was going to leave the yard, stayed in the field of play. Russell rounded second and slid into third only to leave the game. His 2015 season ended right then and there as the Cubs were swept by the New York Mets.

That didn’t stop him from having unfinished business. Addison had one of the greatest years for a Cubs shortstop since Ernie Banks. Recording 21 home runs, 95 RBI, 125 hits all while slashing .238/.321/.417.

Postseason History

When it was time for the playoffs, Maddon’s young shortstop did not disappoint. Addison came through with two home runs and four RBI in back-to-back days while the Cubs were in Los Angeles.

To add to that note, he became the youngest player in big league history to hit a grand slam. His grand slam came in Game 6 of the World Series where he finished 2-for-5. The future is bright for this young shortstop who is destined to win a gold glove or two along the way.

Not to mention, World Series titles. How cool would it be to win a World Series at the age of 22-years-old? On top of that, starting at a position? Unreal.