Chicago Cubs: Top five players who won’t be around next season

Chicago Cubs let the 2016 World Series Most Valuable Player go UFA

Ben Zobrist return to the Cubs hasn’t been the party everyone was expecting. With just 26 games into the season, Zobrist was put on the restricted list on May 6 to take care of family matters. His return, while hailed by Cubs fans across the universe, hasn’t produced the kind of numbers the Cubs were hoping to see from veteran utility man. While there is still a couple of weeks left in the season, I wouldn’t put it past Zobrist to make some spectacular plays or even save a game or two with some good offensive hitting.

However, the 38-year-old looks a little tired in his return and so will most likely be looking at the end of his four-year, $56 million contract which expires this season. Zobrist may have to step up his game if he wants to catch on with another team in free agency in 2020.

Nicholas Castellanos almost made this list as well as he will be an Unrestricted Free Agent next season. Castellanos hit 11 home runs and finished the month of August with a 1.098 OPS. He lights up the Cubs offense consistently and unlike anyone who subbed in previously like: Daniel Descalso, Daniel Murphy and Tony Kemp, Castellanos is pretty consistent.

Considering the Tigers were going to pay Castellanos $9.95 million for three years and we’re paying outfielder Jason Heyward an eight-year $184 million contract, I’m convinced the Cubs are going to shuffle the outfield and add Castellanos next season to the roster.