The Chicago Cubs’ widely-expected roster shake-up began on Wednesday afternoon with the non-tendering of outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora Jr., according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports.
Despite hitting 94 home runs over the course of three seasons (2017 through 2019; 30, 26, and 38 dingers, respectively) Schwarber’s all-or-nothing profile at the plate (.230/.336/.480, 113 wRC+ for his career), defensive inconsistencies, and oncoming free agency (2022) made the 27-year-old expendable.
Almora, 26, spent the past four seasons as the Cubs’ centerfielder, playing the position more than capably (+6 DRS, 1.1 UZR for his career in centerfield), though he’s seen his offensive productivity experience a sharp drop-off over that time.
After a combined .289/.326/.412 line over his first three MLB seasons (2016 through 2018; 919 PA, 96 wRC+, 2.8 fWAR), Almora began to struggle in 2019. He hit .236/.271/.381 (363 PA, 64 wRC+) last year and then had a .167/.265/.200 line in 2020, garnering only sporadic playing time for David Ross.
Almora still has one minor league option remaining.
In addition to the dual jettisoning, per Nightengale, the Cubs are “definitely” offering third baseman and former National League MVP Kris Bryant a contract in his final year of arbitration eligibility.
Since making his MLB debut in 2015, Bryant has compiled a .284/.385/.516 batting line with 138 home runs, 403 RBIs, 139 wRC+, and 27.8 wins above replacement (FanGraphs). Those numbers were slightly tarnished by his .206/.293/.351 (76 wRC+, 0.5 fWAR), injury-marred 2020 campaign (finger, oblique).
What new Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer’s next steps will be regarding the 28-year-old’s future in Chicago is unknown, but we will keep you posted as new details emerge.
