3 former Chicago Cubs players we'll be glad are gone, and 2 we'll wish stayed

Feb 23, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) poses for a
Feb 23, 2023; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (40) poses for a | Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports
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Glad he's gone: Frank Schwindel

The Frank Schwindel experiment at 1st base was fun while it lasted, but like Ortega, this journeyman was never cut out to be a long-term option. The then 29-year-old made his debut at Wrigley Field after Anthony Rizzo was traded to the Yankees. He had some big hits down the stretch and slugged 6 home runs with 18 RBIs in August, which earned him the National League Rookie of the Month Award.

However, Schwindel made several trips to and from Triple-A Iowa in 2022 until he was designated for assignment in September. His release opened the door for the Cubs to improve at first base with the additions of Eric Hosmer and Trey Mancini, along with top prospect Matt Mervis making his case for a roster spot in Spring Training. Schwindel signed with the Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Orix Buffaloes in December.

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