Chicago Cubs: 3 decisions from 2021 that went up in smoke

Chicago Cubs: 3 2021 decisions that went up in smoke – #2: Dismantling the core

Arriving at another decision that proved hard to swallow and provided brutal short-term results, both on the field and with the fans, was the dismantling of the core at the trade deadline. It was a bitter moment as key members of the team that brought home the club’s first championship in 108 years was abruptly scrapped for parts that hopefully serve as a new core for the Cubs years down the road should they pan out.

Digging deeper, starting with Bryant, he slashed .262/.344/.444 between the Cubs and Giants in 2021 to go along with 25 home runs and 73 batted in. As much as Bryant was adored by Cubs fans alike, these numbers are just nowhere near the realm of his Rookie of the Year and MVP campaigns he started his career with. That being said, these numbers were still far better than just about anyone else in a Cubs uniform put up.

Rizzo, on the other hand, put up a .248/.344/.440 line with 22 long-balls and 61 driven in. Though a down year for the veteran first baseman, his numbers as recent as two years ago saw him slash .293/.405/.520 and he undoubtedly still provides Gold Glove-caliber defense at first. The three-time All-Star reportedly balked at the team’s extension overtures last spring, but a reunion on a shorter pact could prove valuable if everything aligns just right after the lockout. His presence in a young clubhouse would be invaluable.

Baez is a fantastic example of a move that so far has screamed, “that figures!” In the first half of the season while with Chicago, Baez slashed just .248/.292/.484, nowhere near being worth the $200 million contract he was seeking. After getting sent to Queens at the deadline, naturally he slashed .299/.371/.515 with the New York Mets. Had Baez put up those numbers in 2021 with the Cubs, odds are he would still be wearing blue today.

Regardless, dismantling the core lead to a complete downward spiral in 2021. Not that the front office was willing to pay all three long-term, but completely dismantling everything you had worked for over the last decade was nonetheless heartbreaking to see. Keeping around at least one of the big three could have paid dividends, especially if one of those go on to have a fantastic season next year the way Baez rebounded in the second half. Hindsight will always be 20/20.