When the Theo Epstein decided not to retain Dexter Fowler after the 2016 World Series, the Chicago Cubs lost both a center fielder and a player to hit in the one spot. They are still looking for that guy heading into the fourth season since 2016.
Internal options aren’t there
Albert Almora was the heir apparent to take over center field duties. His glove, range, and arm were not in doubt. Even after a terrible one year drop off in defensive performance in 2019, Almora still has a better than league average career fielding percentage of .