Chicago Cubs could find answers via Monday’s non-tender deadline

In an offseason likely to bring a series of changes to the roster, the Chicago Cubs may find solutions via players non-tendered by Monday night.

In the next 12 hours, we’ll learn the fate of Addison Russell – the beleaguered Cubs middle infielder who, for the second consecutive season, struggled at the plate and left plenty to be desired in other ways.

Russell, still just 25 years of age, has hardly lived up to the otherworldly hype that once surrounded him as a top prospect of the Oakland Athletics. Granted, he played an integral role in Chicago’s World Series run three years ago, but even taking that into account, he’s always been a below-average offensive player.

This year, his defense waned, as well – and the Cubs saw their second baseman serve out the remainder of his league-mandated suspension for violating MLB’s domestic abuse policies in recent years. In short, it’s been a forgettable stretch for Russell, who may soon find himself searching for a new home.

MLB Trade Rumors projects Russell will earn just north of $5 million via salary arbitration this winter. That is, unless the Cubs decide to non-tender him ahead of Monday’s deadline – thus saving valuable financial resources and turning the page at second base.

This isn’t the only way the non-tender deadline could impact the roster, though. There are several notable names who could also be non-tendered by their respective clubs worth exploring if you’re Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer.