5 offseason moves the Cubs need to make now that they have their manager

4. Cut ties with Addison Russell

The Cubs stood by shortstop Addison Russell throughout his domestic abuse suspension because he was still viewed as a potential high-upside hitter at shortstop with elite defensive skills. Keeping the 25-year-old around for another season is going to be difficult to justify this offseason. Russell is going backwards offensively and is no longer worth the headache.

He has hit just .242/.312/.392 in five MLB seasons and just .246/.314/.357 the last two years with 14 home runs and 61 RBI in 212 games. He does not add any value on the basepaths, stealing 17 bases in five years. Russell’s defensive numbers also slipped last season. With top prospect Nico Hoerner making his debut and hitting .282/.305/.436 with three home runs and 17 RBI in 20 games and Ian Happ finding his swing again and hitting 11 home runs in 58 games, there is no justification for carrying Russell on the roster going forward.

If the Cubs can find anyone willing to trade for Russell, they must pull the trigger on a deal immediately. If not, non-tendering him is a real possibility. Russell made $3.4 million last season and has another trip through arbitration this winter. He no longer looks like a future All-Star, but rather a backup infielder. That’s not worth paying close to $5 million for when the Cubs have Hoerner, Happ and David Bote to space out around the infield.

Chicago is all set at second base and shortstop with players who can handle the bat much better than Russell and play competent defense. It’s understandable that the front office and Joe Maddon stood behind him during his off-field issues, but there’s no longer a reason to keep him.