Cubs: Chicago could still bring back Kyle Schwarber

Jed Hoyer isn’t ruling out bringing back Kyle Schwarber.

The Cubs 2016 World Series core has been dismantled, and there’s more where that come from. Hoyer and the Cubs opted to non-tender Schwarber and Albert Almora, Jr., and tendered Kris Bryant with the hope of trading him at a later date. It’s in stark contrast to the goals of some Cubs fans, which is to compete for the World Series next year with their roster intact.

Schwarber, for one, has power to all fields. A spray chart of his career home runs can be found in a museum somewhere. Yet, his defense is lacking at times and he cannot be depended on in a corner outfield spot. Because of this, and due to his looming $8 million price tag, Schwarber has been shown the door. But is Schwarber’s exit only a brief one?

The Cubs could bring back Schwarber on a more affordable deal

Sure, this would be a longshot given the interest in Schwarber on the free agent market, but it’s possible. Schwarber is seen as a likely designated hitter in the American League. Should the NL adopt the DH this offseason as well, it could as much as double Schwarber’s free agent suitors.

Schwarber hit a measly .188 in the shortened 60-game season. That mark won’t inspire much confidence, but he’s worth a flyer given the number of hitters that struggled to make their mark in such a short span of games.

Schwarber is a fan favorite in the Windy City due to his role in the 2016 World Series. He tore his ACL during the regular season after a collision with Dexter Fowler, but returned for the Fall Classic and hit over .400. He’ll never have to buy a beer in Chicago again.

For now, though, he can’t call Chicago home.