Cubs just confirmed emotional 2016 World Series reunion for CubsCon event

The Chicago Cubs have confirmed that a 2016 World Series reunion is among the events scheduled for CubsCon next month. 2026 marks the 10th anniversary of when the Cubs broke the curse, and the team will return to the spotlight next month. While several players from the core of that team are still playing elsewhere--Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Kyle Schwarber--recent retirees Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Hendricks will be among those on hand for the reunion.

The official announcement confirms that Rizzo and Hendricks will be joined by Jon Lester, Ben Zobrist, Jason Heyward, Dexter Fowler, and John Lackey, among others. It's also worth pointing out that both Lester and Zobrist are nominated for the Cubs' Hall of Fame. There is a strong chance that one, if not both, of them will be inducted.

2016 Cubs World Series team getting spotlighted in CubsCon reveal

Interestingly enough, Carl Edward Jr. will also be in attendance. Edwards is fresh off signing a minor-league deal with the New York Mets, with plans of being converted into a starting pitcher. In other words, it makes sense why Edwards is attending the event and not Bryant, Baez, or Schwarber.

The hope is that when the respective playing careers of each of those three players are done, there is some form of a return to the Cubs' organization. Likely will be easier said than done for Bryant and Baez, who haven't exactly had the same degree of success elsewhere as they achieved in Chicago. Schwarber, meanwhile, will likely be remembered most for his time with the Philadelphia Phillies despite starting his career with the Cubs.

There are two notable omissions: former managers Joe Maddon and David Ross. While Ross was beloved during his time as the Cubs' backup catcher and was the veteran leader of the 2016 roster, he was unceremoniously fired by Jed Hoyer and Co. when Craig Counsell suddenly became available after 2023. Similarly, Maddon, despite being the manager who won the World Series with the Cubs, quickly fell out of favor with the organization and was replaced by Ross after the 2019 season.

They say time heals all wounds, but there may not be enough hours in the day for Ross and Maddon to embrace the Cubs' organization once again.