Chicago Cubs: Safety remains top of mind for players across the sport

Chicago Cubs: Heyward looking for team to put it all together one more time

Kipnis isn’t alone in that hope, either. Veteran outfielder Jason Heyward is ready to get back on the field with the group that helped bring a World Series title to Wrigleyville back in 2016. The clock is ticking on this core – and even before COVID-19 laid waste to professional sports, 2020 looked like a potential last go-round for the Cubs as we have known them for some time.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

“A group like ours, we got some guys right now possibly going into free agency, some guys with contract talks, some guys — (Jon) Lester — pushing for the Hall of Fame. Everybody’s kind of in a different spot right now. We talked about ‘The Last Dance’ kind of vibe. The front office is in a different spot.”

Heyward has been trending upward with the bat for some time now. If you’re going off OPS+, he’s yet to be a league average offensive player in a Cubs uniform. But last season, he was really putting it all together. That is, until Joe Maddon put him in the leadoff spot and he promptly cratered at the dish. Here’s to hoping he can build on those positives in 2020.

I loved the interview, as a whole, especially channeling ‘The Last Dance’ vibes. We know what’s at stake and that a new era on the North Side may very well be dawning as early as later this year, with key players potentially in different uniforms.

Chicago Cubs: As cancer survivors, these guys understand what’s at stake

There are some who question the seriousness of COVID-19, its lasting impact on society, as a whole, and the gravity of decisions like disregarding social distancing guidelines. But there are also those who know all too well what’s at stake – including Anthony Rizzo and Jon Lester.

Both are cancer survivors and anyone battling the disease right now and undergoing chemotherapy are at exceptionally high risk of contracting COVID-19. They both continue to do a ton in the community, especially Rizzo, whose personal foundation continues to supply meals to first responders and medical professionals.

It’s hardly a surprise to see Rizzo and his foundation out fighting the good fight during all this. For years, Cubs fans have clamored to see him become the team’s next captain – and not just for what he’s done on the field which, alone, would justify such a decision.

A perennial 30/100 threat with the ability to get on base at a .400 clip and work counts unlike anyone else on the roster, Rizzo is everything you want in a star player and face of the franchise. He, like several other guys on the roster, could potentially be approaching the end of his time with the Cubs.

For now, these guys are focused on safety – for the fans, teammates, themselves and their families. But when baseball returns, you can count on them to have their eyes on the prize: bringing another World Series championship to the Windy City in 2020.