Chicago Cubs: Which players could take a step back in 2017?

The success of the Chicago Cubs in 2016 was a team effort and many players had great years. But, the team can’t count on everyone to perform as well in 2017.

There is a  proverb that translates “it takes a village to raise a child.” While attributed to African cultures, the authenticity of the proverb is unknown. Regardless, the sentiment of the proverb is true. It was evident in the performance of the World Champion Chicago Cubs in 2016.

Every player on the Cubs stepped up in key moments. Even the struggling Jason Heyward pushed the team to a few wins last year with his bat. The grand slam of Miguel Montero in the playoffs. The game-winning home run on Mother’s Day off the pink bat of Javier Baez. The stellar defense of Addison Russell and pitching of the starting rotation. Everything worked together for the good of the team.

All of that, however, was in 2016. The team has changed. Key players from last year are no longer Cubs. New players arrive with the team this week to start Spring Training. And while we hope for good things, there are a few players that we may want to temper our expectations on in 2017.