Cubs release emotional ‘thank you’ video for Kyle Schwarber

Everyone, the Cubs included, know what Kyle Schwa rber did in his time here.

On Saturday, as Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras trade rumors continued to swirl, Cubs fans learned former first-round pick and 2016 World Series hero Kyle Schwarber had signed with the Washington Nationals.

The deal reunites Schwarber with former teammate Starlin Castro and bench coach Dave Martinez, who guided Washington to its first World Series title in franchise history two years ago. The slugging outfielder noted the Nationals topped his wish list this offseason and the chance to play for Martinez was a big reason for that motivation.

"“Davey was a huge influence on me in baseball,” Schwarber said. “I think this is the perfect fit. I’m excited to be here, and I’m excited to be playing for Davey.”"

Schwarber is looking to rebound from his disappointing 2020 campaign, in which he hit just .188 – despite ranking near the top of the league in several sabermetrics that suggest he could be poised for a major breakout.

So, at least for now, this brings Schwarber’s time with the Cubs to an end. But what a ride it was. From bursting onto the scene during the team’s unexpected ride to the NLCS in 2015 (which included parking a ball on top of the left field videoboard at Wrigley Field), his improbable and near-impossible return from a devastating injury to help the team win it all in 2016 and a 2019 second half that was awe-inspiring to watch, this guy left it all on the field every single day.