If you are piling up the hope that the Cubs, despite the non-tender in December, can reunite with fielder Kyle Schwarber, you can pack that hope in a dusty trunk.
Schwarber goes to the Nationals:
Source: The Nationals signed Kyle Schwarber to a one-year deal pending a physical deal.
– Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) 9 January 2021
Schwarber (27) still has so much unrealized offensive potential as a complete hit that the thought of him finally breaking out with another club turns my stomach a bit. I can understand the Cubs moving on from the perspective that they wanted to change the lineup, and maybe they do not see that Schwarber’s game changes enough to suit the form. And yes, I can also understand that the cornerfield market is full interesting species. And yes, I knew once he was not offered, the chances of the Cubs refurbishing with Schwarber again were about zero.
But I’m still banged. More to come soon.
UPDATE: Schwarber gets the highest score of his possible arbitration projection, which is good for him, but also confirms that there will not be as much trade value, given the uncertainty about arbitration this year:
hear that the Schwarber deal for 1 year and $ 10 million with the #Nationalists
Joel Sherman (@ Joelsherman1) 9 January 2021