The rapid decline, demise of the 2016 World Series champion Cubs was shocking

On November 2, 2016, Kris Bryant picked up Michael Martinez's weak groundball and fired a strong throw across the infield for the final out of the 2016 World Series. And all was right in the world. The Chicago Cubs had broken their 108-year championship drought and seemed poised to tack on another championship or two in the years to come. But that did not prove to be the case.

Like the 1985 Chicago Bears, the 2016 Cubs were one-and-done

Thought the 2017 team made the postseason, they seemed to be dealing with a World Series hangover. It seemed like apathy had set in to some extent. While everything went right for the team the year prior, cracks were already showing in the Cubs' foundation.

In 2016 Kris Bryant enjoyed an MVP season in only his second year in the league. It's easy to forget just how good Bryant was that season. The former first-rounder slugged a career-high 39 home runs and led the NL with 121 runs scored. He had an OPS of .989, setting the tone for the offense on a daily basis.

In addition to his talent as a hitter, the 121 runs scored highlight just how good of a base runner Bryant was. He had a strong season in 2017, but his home run production dropped from 39 to 29. Bryant's production really dropped off in 2020. The following year, Jed Hoyer traded Bryant to the Giants in exchange for prospects Alexander Canario and Caleb Killian.

Bryant has had to work though injuries in recent years, and has looked like a shell of his former self throughout his first three years with the Colorado Rockies. While Bryant's physical demise has been disappointing, it wasn't all together unexpected given his height and long swing.

Javier Baez was one of the most exciting players in Cubs history, but as time went on El Mago's game proved to have more flash than substance. That's not to say that Baez wasn't outstanding at his peak, because he certainly was. Baez finished second in National League MVP voting in 2018 after leading the Senior Circuit with 111 RBI and was an elite defensive presence, no matter where he was playing.

It just seems like Baez hit a wall in 2020. While he experienced a brief resurgence his few months with the Mets in 2021 his production has fallen off a cliff in recent seasons. His lack of plate disciple hasn't aged well. He seems lost in Detroit and looks like he could be on the chopping block if he doesn't rebound this year.

Addison Russell had probably the saddest outcome of all the young Cubs' stars on the 2016. Russell was an All-Star shortstop at the age of 22, hitting 21 home runs and driving in 95 runs. Off-the-field issues ended his MLB career early - he hasn't played a big-league game since 2019.

Miscellaneous pieces were greatly missed

Dexter Fowler was a driving force in the Cubs' offense as their leadoff man and center fielder in 2016. He subsequently signed as a free agent with the rival St. Louis Cardinals. After one good season in St. Louis, Fowler's production harshly declined. The Cubs have been looking for a suitable replacement since then. Maybe up-and-comer Pete Crow-Armstrong is the answer?

For a period of time, Jake Arrieta may have been the most dominant pitcher in Cubs' history. He really peaked in 2015 but was still very good in 2016. He dropped off a bit in 2017, then signed as a free agent with the Phillies. In Philadelphia. Arrieta had one decent season with the Phillies but then hit a wall at the age of 33.

For all the talk of dynasty that swirled back then, one would have thought the Cubs would have had more staying power. Instead, the team hasn't won a single postseason game since that 2017 season - and, apart from the shortened 2020 season, hasn't even made the playoffs since 2018.