Chicago Cubs History: Regaling the top five MVPs in franchise history

Chicago Cubs: Sammy Sosa, OF, 1998

Marred in controversy, especially amongst the Wrigleyville faithful, is a long time Cubs outfielder and staple Sammy Sosa. Including Sosa on the actual list was challenging to do. He is receiving an honorable mention for the 1998 season and the year of the home run race.

The obvious reason why it is marred in controversy is because of the rampant steroid use. In 2003, five years after this monster season, Sosa’s name was joined on a list by 103 additional players as to those who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. In 2018, Sosa was interviewed on E:60, and point-blank stated he never tested positive.

Whatever it is you choose to believe, Sosa did have a season to remember in 1998. In a back-and-forth battle with St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire, Sosa slashed .308/.377/.647 with a 1.024 OPS. The then 29-year-old missed just three games and hit 66 home runs and drove in 158 runs.

Sosa earned the MVP honors, beating out McGwire and future Cub Moises Alou, who was in Houston at the time. His season will always be met with controversy, but, for Sosa, who still managed 66 home runs, he did bring the city of Chicago and Wrigleyville closer together.