Cubs fan favorite from 2016 still chasing an MLB return years later

While Albert Almora never quite lived up to the expectations of a first-round pick, the outfielder will always have a special place in Chicago Cubs' history. It was Almora who scored the go-ahead run for the Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series when Ben Zobrist hit a double in the 10th inning. The rest, as they say, was history.

There were times when Almora flashed offensive potential during his five-year run with the Cubs, but as his time with the team was dwindling, it became clear that defense would be his calling card. Almora's final season with the Cubs was in 2020, and after that, he had stops with the New York Mets in 2021 and the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. Almora's last season at the Major League level was with the Mets.

Almora is still trying to find his way back to the Major League level. After being released from the Miami Marlins' organization earlier this season, Almora inked a minor-league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks this past week.

Cubs World Series hero hasn’t given up on his MLB comeback just yet

Almora had a forgettable slash line with the Marlins' Triple-A affiliate this season before his release. In 159 plate appearances, Almora slashed .240/.289/.315 with an OPS of .604. That isn't the type of production that will have Almora on the fast track back to the Major League level.

The Diamondbacks, however, are an interesting case ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Injuries have given the impression that the Diamondbacks could sell at the deadline, and if they do, the Cubs almost certainly will check in on their available starting pitchers as well as a potential third base upgrade in Eugenio Suarez.

However, as it pertains to Almora, that could be his path back to the Major League level. If the Diamondbacks become sellers and ride out the ship for the remaining two months of the season, Almora could slide into their outfield mix to end the season. After Corbin Carrol's recent wrist injuryThere certainly could be an opportunity for the former Cubs outfielder to return to the Majors.

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