Cubs: 3 players whose futures with team are doomed after shortened season

Cubs have an answer in center, leaving Albert Almora as the odd man out

How many times have we convinced ourselves that Albert Almora was about to turn the corner and live up to the hype that surrounded him as a former first-round pick? Too many.

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For some time now, Almora has ranked among the worst offensive players in all of Major League Baseball. With his glove work trending, overall, in the wrong direction as well – it’s hard to justify keeping him on the big league roster any longer.

Prior to his being optioned to South Bend, he carried a measly .167/.265/.200 line in 34 plate appearances. Small sample size? Perhaps. But going back to the start of 2019 (397 plate appearances), he owns a 64 OPS+ with a .270 OBP. This isn’t a new problem, to say the least.

I know there are those who say that he’s worth a roster spot as a late-inning replacement. That’s the role he was relegated to for much of this season in the wake of Ian Happ‘s breakout – but I think it’s best for all involved to let him try to turn the page with a fresh start elsewhere.

Looking ahead to 2021, the outfield picture seems more clear than it has in sometime. Happ will handle duties in center, Heyward in right (along with a platoon partner) and Schwarber in left. There will be some reps for Bryant, as well – but those are your three as things stand.