It was a good day for the Cubs accountants but their public relations people have had better days. 

First the good money news for the Cubs.

Forbes released their annual list of how much each MLB team is worth and the Cubs ranked fourth on the list, behind the Yankees, Dodgers, and Red Sox, with a valuation of over $3.3 billion.

What is even more impressive is that they actually became more valuable over the past season, that almost didn't even happen because of the pandemic.

That bit of good news should mean that there is a little money left in the coffers to extend the contract of arguably the most beloved Chicago Cub of all-time. The guy that gave you the baseball from the final out of the 2016 World Series instead of selling it himself of keeping it for his own collection.

It's also the same guy that took a team-friendly contract after his rookie deal was up to benefit the team. The same guy that visits children's hospitals and has donated time and money to Chicago through his charity work. The guy that hasn't had a bad public story about him, even once, his entire time with the club. That's the guy they can't bring themselves to extend.

This is such a poor move by the Cubs front office. You cannot be perceived by your fan base or other baseball players as an organization that doesn't show any loyalty to its players. The only organization that can get away with this is the Patriots. They tend to cut, release, or trade fan favorites, but have 6 titles to show for that. Fans can accept a ruthless front office if they get some championships out of it. The Patriots at least were loyal to Bill Belichick and for a long time Tom Brady as well. The Cubs already ran Joe Maddon out of town and it looks like Anthony Rizzo might be joining Joe back in San Diego before his career is over.

After the 2020 season, Tom Ricketts was quoted as saying the losses suffered by team owners was "biblical." It turns out the only biblical losses the Cubs could be looking at is a reduction in the fan base if they don't fix their messaging soon.

2016 was a long time ago. The Cubs seem to be forgetting that.

KEEP READING: See how sports around the world have been impacted by the coronavirus

 

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