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Kyle Schwarber today became the first key position-player piece of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team to depart the Cubs scene:
The #Cubs are definitely tendering a contract to Kris Bryant, but barring a change of plans, will cut ties with outfielders Kyle Schwarber and Albert Almora, as @MDGonzales predicted.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 2, 2020
Here’s some corroboration from Cubs beat writers:
The Cubs haven't announced it officially yet, but per a source, Kyle Schwarber has been informed he won't be tendered a contract for 2021. He's a free agent after 6 years with the team. Was set to make in the neighborhood of 8+ mil in arb.
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 3, 2020
Source: Schwarber non-tendered.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) December 3, 2020
Following @JesseRogersESPN and @GDubCub, can confirm that the Cubs will non-tender OF Kyle Schwarber. He will be a free-agent.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) December 3, 2020
The Cubs also were reported to have non-tendered Jose Martinez earlier Wednesday by Gordon Wittenmyer:
The Cubs have non-tendered outfielder/DH José Martínez, a source confirmed, making him a free agent.
The Cubs acquired Martínez from the Rays ahead of the 2020 trade deadline and the 32-year-old went 0-for-21 in 10 games. They optioned him to their South Bend alternate site in early September to get him more at-bats, recalling him later in the month.
The URL of Wittenmyer’s article calls Martinez a “slugging outfielder,” and he did exactly none of that as a Cub. As noted, he went 0-for-21, including seven strikeouts, and reached base just once, on a walk. Martinez’ only possible value to the Cubs in the future would be as a DH, and as I noted the other day, we still do not know whether the universal DH will be in effect in 2021.
Martinez’ 0-for-21 (22 plate appearances) is the most PA without a hit for any position player in Cubs franchise history. The previous record, 20 PA (0-for-18), was set by George Moriarty — in 1903-04.
Regarding Albert Almora Jr.:
Cubs nontender Schwarber and Almora
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 3, 2020
OF Albert Almora Jr. will also be non-tendered by the Cubs.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) December 3, 2020
Regarding Almora, when he was sent to the Cubs’ alternate site in South Bend at the beginning of September, I wrote this appreciation of his Cubs career. I’ll stand by that today and wish him well going forward. I’ll have an appreciation of Schwarber’s Cubs career coming up tomorrow morning.
The non-tender of Schwarber, over a projected $8 million (one source said it might have even been $9 million) salary for 2021, does not bode well for those who feel the Cubs should go for it again in 2021. Wanting to save $8-9 million on Schwarber likely means the entire player payroll is going to be reduced.
Here’s one last note about a former Cub:
ICYMI: Here the list of non-tendered KBO foreign players:
— Dan Kurtz (@MyKBO) December 2, 2020
Mike Wright (NC)
Tyler Wilson (LG)
Jake Brigham (Kiwoom)
Addison Russell (Kiwoom)
Adrian Sampson (Lotte)
Daniel Palka (Samsung)
Ricardo Pinto (SK)
Tyler White (SK)
Warwick Saupold (Hanwha)
Brandon Barnes (Hanwha)
With the three non-tenders and the waiver claim on Robert Stock earlier Wednesday, the Cubs’ 40-man roster stands at 35 players.
As always, we await developments.