The Chicago Cubs have just released veteran infielder Addison Russell. Russell had been with the Cubs since being traded to the team in 2016. He is a two-time All-Star and the 2016 World Series champion.
At 27 years old, Russell had been a key part of the Cubs for the last four seasons, hitting .241/.308/.364 with 37 home runs and 169 RBIs in 478 games. He was an integral part of the Cubs’ 2016 run to the World Series title, hitting .238/.319/.417 in the regular season and then .294/.394/.529 in the playoffs.
Russell was released by the Cubs after the team decided to move on from him and allocate their resources elsewhere. The Cubs had been in talks with Russell about a multi-year extension, but ultimately decided to go in a different direction.
The Cubs will now look to fill Russell’s spot on the roster with a younger, more cost-effective option. The team has several young outfielders in the minor leagues who could be ready to contribute at the major-league level.
For Russell, his future is uncertain. He is now a free agent and can sign with any team. He will have to prove he can still produce at the major-league level, as he has struggled since 2018. But after being released by the Cubs, Russell will be looking for a new home and a chance to prove himself.
The Latest Update on the Chicago Cubs’ Released Players
The Chicago Cubs have recently released several players from their roster. The team released right-handers Alec Mills, Jason Heyward, and David Phelps, as well as left-hander Brad Wieck and infielders Nico Hoerner and Hernan Perez. These players were all part of the Cubs’ 2021 Opening Day roster.
Alec Mills was the Cubs’ longest-serving starter, having been with the team since 2017. He was the Cubs’ starter for the 2021 season opener, but the team eventually replaced him with right-hander Adbert Alzolay. Mills finished the season with a 3.08 ERA in 11 appearances.
Jason Heyward was the Cubs’ highly-regarded outfielder, and was a key part of the team’s success in the 2020 season. He appeared in 57 games for the Cubs this season, batting .235 with nine home runs and 24 RBIs. He was released after the Cubs acquired outfielder Cameron Maybin from the San Diego Padres.
David Phelps was a key reliever for the Cubs in 2020, appearing in 24 games with a 2.77 ERA. However, this season he appeared in just seven games and posted a 5.93 ERA. He was released after the Cubs acquired reliever Sam Howard from the Colorado Rockies.
Brad Wieck was a left-handed reliever who had been with the Cubs since 2018. He appeared in 45 games this season, with a 5.02 ERA. He was released after the Cubs acquired reliever Jonathan Holder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Nico Hoerner was the Cubs’ second baseman for the 2021 season. He appeared in 48 games this season, batting .232 with four home runs and 16 RBIs. He was released after the Cubs acquired infielder Joc Pederson from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Hernan Perez was the Cubs’ utility infielder this season. He appeared in 37 games, batting .220 with one home run and nine RBIs. He was released after the Cubs acquired infielder Brad Miller from the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Cubs have now released a total of seven players from their roster, as they look to start the 2021 season on the right foot. With the new acquisitions they have made, the Cubs are now well positioned to make a run at the postseason.
Unpacking the Cubs’ Recent Player Releases in 2021
The Chicago Cubs have recently released several prominent players from their roster, following the conclusion of the 2020 season. This includes outfielder Albert Almora Jr., shortstop Addison Russell, infielder/outfielder Ian Happ, and pitcher Allen Webster. Here’s a look at each player, and what their departure means for the Cubs.
Albert Almora Jr. was a first-round pick of the Cubs back in 2012 and had been with the organization since then. He has played in the majors since 2016 and hit .286/.318/.405 with 10 home runs and 33 RBI in 545 plate appearances in 2019. His release means that the Cubs will have to find a replacement in center field if they hope to contend in 2021.
Addison Russell was also a first-round pick of the Cubs, selected in 2011. He had been with the team since 2014, but his tenure was marred by a domestic violence suspension in 2018. In 2019, he hit .237/.308/.391 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI in 407 plate appearances. His departure means the Cubs will need to find a replacement at shortstop.
Ian Happ was a first-round pick of the Cubs in 2015 out of the University of Cincinnati, and he had been with the team since then. In 2019, he hit .258/.340/.467 with 15 home runs and 41 RBI in 435 plate appearances. His release means the Cubs will have to find a replacement in center field or the corner outfield spots.
Allen Webster was claimed off waivers by the Cubs in 2019, and he appeared in four games for the team that season, posting a 4.85 ERA in 12.2 innings. His departure means the Cubs will need to find a replacement in the bullpen.
The departure of these four players leaves the Cubs with some holes to fill for 2021. They’ll need to find a center fielder, shortstop, and a corner outfielder, and some bullpen depth. It remains to be seen how the Cubs will address these needs, but it’s clear they have some work to do.
The Cubs released the player on August 2, 2020.
The Cubs released outfielder Cameron Maybin.
Cameron Maybin played the outfield position for the Cubs.
The player came from the Cleveland Indians.
The Cubs released the player due to poor performance.
Yes, the player has since been signed by the Philadelphia Phillies.
The player signed with the Phillies on August 4, 2020.
The player signed a minor-league contract with the Phillies.
The player has played for the Marlins, Yankees, Angels, Astros, Mariners, Braves, Indians, and Cubs.
The player’s career batting average is .265.