Most Cubs fans would agree that 2021 has been a year to forget. The Cubs traded away some of the biggest stars in franchise history, and the team that finished the season was unrecognizable.
The best thing about baseball is that a new year always brings a new sense of hope and optimism. The Cubs clearly have some work to do before the hope translates into real success, but perhaps some new gifts will arrive in 2022.
Here are four of the biggest Christmas wishes that Cubs fans want to see from their team before the new season begins.
Baseball in 2022
The first and biggest wish on the Christmas list for every Cubs fan is for baseball to be played in some form or fashion in 2022. MLB and the MLBPA don’t seem to be close to agreeing on a new collective bargaining agreement, and there isn’t a ton of time left for a deal to be reached.
Baseball hasn’t had a strike in a few decades, but things are definitely trending in that direction at this time. Unless the two sides can come to an agreement in the next few weeks, baseball might not be played in 2022, at least for an entire season.
Correa or Story
If a labor agreement is reached at some point, free agency will start back up again for the Cubs and other teams in Major League Baseball. This is when the new front office can begin speaking to free agents once again. There are two players that fans would love to see play in Wrigley Field next season.
Carlos Correa is the biggest target for the Cubs, but Trevor Story would be a nice consolation prize. Shortstop is a position of need for the Cubs, and signing either player would show that the team is looking to compete in 2022.
Adding Carlos Correa to the Cubs would give Chicago the impact shortstop they need.
The Return of Schwarbs
Several former Cubs remained unsigned when the league decided to lock out the players. Javier Baez has signed with the Detroit Tigers, but most fans are still holding out hope for at least one former World Series champion to return.
Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo are the two biggest names, but the return of Kyle Schwarber seems the most likely. Adding Schwarber back into the mix would not only be a massive upgrade on the roster, but it would bring a fan favorite back to the Windy City.
Competing While Building
The final wish on the Christmas list of every Cubs fan is a competitive team on the field in 2022. It’s pretty apparent that the Cubs are not going to be able to put together a World Series contender in 2022, but no one wants to see another year like 2021.
The Cubs are going to have to build up the farm system and play some young kids in 2022 and beyond, but that doesn’t mean it has to lead to a last-place finish or another miserable season.
There is a path to competing in 2022 while also getting young kids ready to contend in the coming years.
Join our Discord
to leave a question or comment regarding this article. We have sports fans talking betting all day — every day! JOIN THE DISCORD NOW AND QUALIFY FOR PRIZES & BETTING SWAG!
