Lead-Off Man
Dexter Fowler hit his payday, and now is a member of the Cubs fierce rival the Cardinals. Fowler had a career year in 2016. He made his first All-Star game. He led the league in triples, and was 4th in runs scored. Fowler was the table-setter for the lineup, and is the most integral piece of the puzzle that the Cubs have to replace. Whether its Albert Almora or Jon Jay, it will be an uphill task replacing Dex.
Back of the Rotation
15 game winner Jason Hammel was perhaps the best fifth starter in baseball last year. Following up Lester, Arrieta, Lackey, and Hendricks was not easy task. Hammel answered the call on many occasions. As mentioned the likes of Brett Anderson and Mike Montgomery will get the first cracks. Hammel signed with the Royals, and is slated to be the third starter on a team in the hunt for an AL Central crown.
Right Field
Jorge Soler’s exit in a trade for Wade Davis caught some by surprise. Soler who was by many accounts the most hyped prospect out of Cuba since Yoenis Cespedes, never found his groove in the Cubs lineup. With the return of Kyle Schwarber, the playing time for the young slugger may not have been substantial. With the Royals he can be a key cog in the lineup with Eric Hosmer and Lorenzo Cain.
The Cubs gave up some big young talent including revered Gleyber Torres in the deal that brought them Aroldis Chapman last season. Without his efforts, the Cubs probably don’t win a championship last season. Chapman decided to return to the Yankees on an expensive 5 year contract. The flame-thrower Chapman could be hard to replace.
Grandpa Rossy
Revered Cubs catcher David Ross decided to hang up the cleats after a fairy tale ending to his career. No doubt his emotional support in the clubhouse will be missed. He has hung up his catchers gear, and put on his dancing shoes for ‘Dancing With The Stars’, as my colleague Bobby Mueller reported.