Report: Cubs won't tender 2021 contract for Kyle Schwarber

Kyle Schwarber was a fan favorite of the Cubs (Matt Marton - USA Today Sports)

by Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Wednesday, December 2, 2020, 7:50 PM

The Chicago Cubs will not tender a contract for outfielder Kyle Schwarber for the 2021 season according to multiple reports including ESPN.

Schwarber has been with the team the last six seasons and now is a free agent. He was projected to make around $8 million in arbitration with the Cubs.

“I’m not a guy that’s going to look into the future,” Schwarber said about his future during the playoffs. “I’m just going to focus on one thing at a time. I’ve already got a bunch of gray hair on my head just because I think a lot about baseball. I don’t need this on my mind too.”

The Cubs have not ruled out a possibility of signing him later on to an extension but wasn't going the $8 million route for 2021. So there is a small chance that the 27-year-old could be back with Cubs as discussions are ongoing.

Jed Hoyer on Schwarber: "It was a hard conversation. I called Kyle. We'll definitely keep the door open. We'll continue to talk about ways to bring him back....We had a good conversation. He's a legend. No question about that."
— Jesse Rogers (@JesseRogersESPN) December 3, 2020

In 2020, Schwarber hit only .188 with 11 homers and 24 RBI in 224 plate appearances.

For his career as a Cub, he hit .230 with 121 dingers and 279 RBI.

Regardless of what the future holds, you singlehandedly gave me one of the best moments as @Cubs fan. You’ll always be my left fielder @kschwarb12 @DOM_Frederic pic.twitter.com/wLBXo6ZG71
— Steven (@steve305_) December 3, 2020

Thank you Kyle Schwarber for everything you’ve done for Chicago & organization. 6 years of blood, sweat & tears. Your story is one for the ages, the come back in the 2016 World Series was something we will never forget. Good Luck to you. @kschwarb12 pic.twitter.com/EI9DBjzzXs
— Cubs Zone ™? (@CubsZone) December 3, 2020