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Chicago Cubs need to avoid bringing back John Lackey for 2018

By Jake Misener

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 15: John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs argues a call with home plate umpire Jordan Baker #71 during the fifth inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 15, 2017 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 15: John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs argues a call with home plate umpire Jordan Baker #71 during the fifth inning of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals on September 15, 2017 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Starting pitcher John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Starting pitcher John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs sits in the dugout during the first inning of the MLB game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs have to move on, not cling to the past

For most of my life, the Cubs have been known to cling to the past. The black cat, Bartman, a billy goat. With three-straight LCS appearances and a World Series title to their credit, Theo Epstein and his organization have shown the willingness to keep their eyes on the future – not years’ past.

After another 90-plus win season (and second-straight division crown), Epstein proved he’s focused on winning – not the fact this team has won already. He overhauled the entire coaching staff under Joe Maddon – bringing in fresh blood with new perspectives. Now, he needs to do the same with the roster.

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John Lackey famously said he wasn’t coming to Chicago for a haircut. He wanted jewelry. And he got it, as the Cubs snapped a 108-year title drought in 2016. We’ll all be forever grateful to him for his role on that team. But just because that group won a title in ’16 hardly means they’re the best group to go for it again in 2018.

Epstein will be active on the trade market and in free agency this offseason. There will be new faces on next year’s roster when camp opens in Mesa next February. And, like it or not, there’s not a good reason for John Lackey to be among them.

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