Cubs players we’ve had to say goodbye to since the end of 2015

During the golden era of Cubs baseball, we said, “goodbye” to many players.

Since 2015 a number of Chicago Cubs have left the North Side, some through trades, others through free agency. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and most aren’t even starters, but all made contributions, large and small.  So here’s little Auld Lang Syne to those who once wore the Cubbie Blue.

Many fans were disappointed that the Cubs non-tendered Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora. Both were first-round draft picks but never quite played consistently at the level expected of first-round picks.  I am fairly certain though that had the National League decided to adopt the designated hitter that Schwarber might still be in the fold.

I wrote about the Cubs’ decision to decline Jon Lester’s option and his huge contribution to the team.  He gave us his best years and gave fans the memories of a lifetime. Then he bought fans a beer as a final ‘farewell’ after the season ended.

Ben Zobrist wasn’t a high-profile guy like Javier Baez, a fixture like Anthony Rizzo or a young-up-and-comer like Schwarber. But his key hit in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series told you all you ever needed to know.  When the chips were down and you needed a hit, Zobrist was the guy you wanted at the plate. His sudden departure for personal reasons left a large hole in the lineup.