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.

Cubs: Things that made us wonder–like the helmet run

In 2015 Jonathan Herrera wasn’t in the core four, or a starter though did appear in 73 games off the bench. But perhaps his lasting contribution was the phenomena known as the helmet rub.  It was revealed that he and Castro were the source of the goofiness that amused Cubs fans.

A group of relievers rounds out the list.  Justin Grimm, Hector Rondon, Carl Edwards, Jr., Travis Wood and Pedro Strop all played key roles in the 2015 and 2016 seasons.  Grimm, Edwards, Wood, and Strop were acquired in trades while Rondon was a Rule 5 pickup from the Indians and all came to the Cubs before the rebuild was complete.

Wood became a free agent after 2016, Rondon became a free agent after 2017, Grimm was released in 2018, Edwards was traded to the Padres in 2019, and Strop became a free agent after 2019.

Three honorable mentions end the list, Miguel Montero for his key role in 2016, and Nick Castellanos and Cole Hamels because they came to Chicago and were instant fan favorites.

We are in the middle of yet another offseason of uncertainty about who will stay, who might be acquired, and most of all who might be gone by opening day.  I have no doubt but that this list will grow by then.