Chicago Cubs: Matt Szczur’s departure from club was inevitable

The Chicago Cubs are struggling to find their ground as they slowly approach mid-May. As they continue to do so, their front office made a trade involving a beloved outfielder.

Seven years ago, the Chicago Cubs drafted hybrid athlete Matt Szczur out of Villanova. In college, Szczur played multiple sports and positions such as wide receiver, quarterback and return specialist aside from center field.

Over the course of his 27 years, Szczur has lived what could be a script for a blockbuster film. If you’re unaware, he became a hero when he decided to donate bone marrow while in school.

Little did he know, his type was a match for a little girl who lived across the globe in Ukraine. The two eventually met via the internet.

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A story that touched many lives over the years and showed us the type of person that Szczur is. A man willing to put himself through a difficult task in order to help someone in need.

And when it was time for the world to pay him back, he made the most of it with the Cubs. His name did not bring attention such as Kris Bryant or Addison Russell, but he still made an impact.

Under the radar

An impact so big, the Cubs moved him from Triple-A Iowa to the big-league roster on multiple occasions in 2015. In three years with Chicago, Szczur has provided us with defensive web gems and clutch at-bats, leading to his trade to the San Diego Padres.

One move that left a hole in the hearts of Cubs fans around the world. He entered the majors as a hero and left the Windy City a World Series champion. Providing support from the bench as his teammates clawed their way through the postseason last October and November.

Actually, he allowed Anthony Rizzo to use his bat and opened his locker to those who needed equipment. That’s a team player right there and someone you want in your clubhouse.

Excited

Now, he is where he needs to be. At least, that’s what he told reporters on the ninth saying, “My first reaction was I was happy to be honest. I was excited. I wasn’t playing very much. I loved the guys. They were awesome, but for my career, this is where I needed to be.”

We couldn’t agree more, Szczur. Looking at the depth chart, there wasn’t much wiggle for him to do anything. This resulted in him being sent to San Diego, opening a bigger door for him to further his career.

So far in three games with the Padres, Szczur slashed .286/.323/.357/680 with four hits, one run scored, one double and an RBI. He also made a leaping grab in his new home debut.

Next: Cubs hitting too many groundballs

Starting Monday, May 29, the Padres will host the Cubs to begin a three-game set. Surely, just like Dexter Fowler, Szczur will be joking around and laughing with his former teammates. When the Padres come to town, expect nothing but love for the outfielder.

I wonder if he’ll try to get himself a championship parade confetti globe before the series opener.