With the universal designated hitter position returning in 2022, former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs expressed his desire for the Cubs to re-sign Kyle Schwarber.
The MLB lockout meant that there was a pause in news, considering the league and MLB Player’s Association are still negotiating the collective bargaining agreement. On Thursday, Feb. 10, commissioner Rob Manfred held a press conference to provide an update on negotiations. While Manfred said they are not close to a deal, the owners did agree on two things — a draft lottery and implementation of the universal designated hitter position.
Upon hearing about the return of the universal DH, former Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs took to Twitter to ask the Cubs if that means they will re-sign Kyle Schwarber.
Lance Briggs: Bring back Kyle Schwarber, Cubs
How does a Schwarber reunion sound to you, Cubs fans?
Schwarber, of course, began his career in Chicago as a first-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He spent six seasons with the Cubs before he became an unrestricted free agent after the 2020 offseason. That is when he signed on with the Washington Nationals and instantly became an All-Star for the first time ever.
In 72 games, Schwarber hit 25 home runs and knocked in 53 runs while putting up a slugging percentage of .570. 12 of those home runs were hit in 10 consecutive games, tied for an MLB record. The Nationals were huge sellers at the trade deadline and opted to move Schwarber to the Boston Red Sox.
As a member of the Red Sox, Schwarber slashed .291/.435/.522 while recording seven home runs, 18 RBI, 34 runs scored and 39 hits in 41 regular-season games. In Boston’s run to the AL Championship Series, Schwarber recorded a .205 batting average, a .718 OPS, three home runs six RBI and nine hits in 11 games.
With universal designated hitter returning, will the Cubs be interested in bringing Schwarber back for a second stint? We should find out once the lockout officially ends.