In a fitting and disappointing bit of finality to Theo Epstein’s tenure as the Cubs’ president of baseball operations, the organization has opted not to tender a contract to Albert Almora Jr. for the 2020 season. The 26-year-old outfielder who was selected sixth overall by Cubs in 2012 as the first pick the Epstein regime, but he is now a free agent following three disappointing seasons in Chicago.
Always viewed as an elite defensive player with serious potential at the plate, Almora was never able to develop offensively and actually regressed a great deal since 2016. He was always tinkering with his swing and never seemed to find a comfort level, as evidenced by the drop-off in his offensive production to the point that he became unplayable.