Chicago Cubs: 3 players who definitely will not be back in 2022

Chicago Cubs might go after the big fish, but Kris Bryant isn’t coming home

If you look closely in the background of this picture, you’ll see me – knowing full well in that moment that I was witnessing a true farewell. Yes, a raucous Wrigley Field welcomed Kris Bryant back after he was traded to the Giants earlier in the summer. More than a few envisioned this being just a blip on the radar before he’d surely return this offseason.

But that’s not how this winter is going to go.

The years of constant criticism, a large portion of which was unwarranted and uninformed, incessant trade speculation and what sure seems like a less-than-ideal relationship with the front office will all contribute to why Bryant won’t entertain coming back in free agency.

A former Rookie of the Year, MVP, three-time All-Star and World Series champion, Bryant left quite a legacy in Chicago. But it’s done and over. He’ll go on to sign a lengthy deal somewhere, for a team and a fanbase that actually appreciates him and what he brings to the table. And you know what? He deserves that.

The team had the chance to make him a Cub for life. They failed to do so. And, now, this winter, we’ll get to witness the consequences of their failure when Bryant inks a monster deal with a new club – wherever that may end up being.