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If you are a Chicago Cubs fan, then this past week was a punch in the gut. With emphasis on

“fan”. With the 2016 World Series victory is now 5 years old, we knew this was what the front

office needed to do with the team underachieving. The Chicago Cubs won their first World

Series in over 108 years, and were poised to be a dynasty with the young core which included,

at the time, Anthony Rizzo (27 years old), Kris Bryant (24 years old), and Javier Baez (23 years

old). The expectations were high after so many years of being the “Loveable Losers”. It’s hard to

imagine that in 5 years, things can change drastically. Welcome to the world of baseball! What

was supposed to be a dominant infield and force to take on the NL, these 3 players were dealt

and traded to other teams. I am not including players like Andrew Chafin, Ryan Tepera, and

Craig Kimbrel. The reason being is that Rizzo, Bryant, and Baez were there for that World Series

win. Rizzo being the longest tenured Cub, and my favorite player in all of baseball, this was the

hardest trade to swallow. A guy who has been on a 100+ loss team and a 100+ win team. In

2012 Cubs went 61-101 and in 2016 103-58. He was here through the tough moments and the

rebuild. Stuck it out and got himself a ring with patience. One of the best class acts and nicest

people the organization has ever seen. Rizzo was dealt to the New York Yankees. He has hit 2

Home Runs in his first 2 games with the Yankees. I wish him nothing but the best and hope he

can reach the top of the mountain one more time. Rizzo in my eyes will be a Chicago Cub

forever.

Now onto Kris Bryant. The number 2 overall pick in the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft. The man who

won Rookie of the Year, NL MVP in year 2, and a World Series Title. Without a doubt the hottest

start to a career someone could have. Bryant was able to do it all for the Chicago Cubs. 3 rd base

being his main position, we saw him bounce around all over the field. Playing Outfield and

some First base. This was a homerun draft pick who should have been here for the long haul.

Even after the Cubs waited to bring him up to gain 1 more year of control on his contract. Now

fast forward to July 2021, he is now the new member of the 1 st place San Francisco Giants. A

team that has shocked us all as far as how well they have played all year. Bryant has the best

chance to get a ring out of the 3 main guys who were traded.

Which now leads me into Javier “El Mago” Baez. The flashy shortstop who provided so much

pizzazz and excitement since his call up. Baez always seemed to show up biggest when the

spotlight was on. His defensive play early on earned national recognition with his ability to play

the ball at shortstop. Let’s also not forget his swim move slide technique. Baez was definitely

the flashiest Cub. At the same time, he could be the most frustrating. Having one of the highest

swing rates on pitches was something that would make you scratch your head as a fan. Luckily

for Baez he was traded to the New York Mets and united with his longtime pal Francisco Lindor.

In my opinion Baez has the lowest chance to get another ring out of the three, this year. Mets I

believe are still 1 or 2 years away.

The Chicago Cubs front office saw an opportunity and took it. They wanted to get younger and

get pitching, which they desperately needed. The logical fan side of me can understand this had

to be done. Again… The fan side of me was upset to see them all go. Only time will tell if all of

these trades will work out for our long-term goals as the Chicago Cubs. It won’t be easy to see

these guys in other jerseys. But that is the world of sports. Not everyone has a fairy tale ending

and stays with the same team their whole careers. You can look at the NFL and Tom Brady

being a great example where you thought he would never leave New England Patriots. It

doesn’t always work out for a team and especially as a fan. As fans we get attached to players

that gave us something we never seen in our lifetime. We feel a connection as we watched so

many moments these players made that helped us win a championship. Rizzo and his “Ledge

Catch”. Javier Baez and his stealing of home plate. Then Kris Bryant and his 3 Home Run and 2

Doubles game against the Reds. These 3 will be missed but forever immortalized in Chicago.