In a seemingly normal press conference this morning in Mesa, Arizona, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell shocked the entire media when he suddenly talked about the future of Kyle Schwarber, the former team icon and fire in the hearts of North Chicago fans. Although he did not receive a direct question about Schwarber, Counsell himself mentioned it and revealed a sentence that made everyone freeze:
“He’s an integral part of the Cubs… and I won’t rule out any possibility.”
A short sentence, but enough to spark a huge wave of rumors: Is Kyle Schwarber – the 2016 hero – preparing to return to the Cubs after many years away?
According to many reporters present, Counsell said that with a half-smile, full of hidden meaning. It’s worth noting that he has always avoided any questions about whether the Cubs were pursuing Schwarber. His proactive mention of the former Cubs star’s name is unprecedented, making the rumor even hotter than ever.
Schwarber, now one of the most feared power hitters in MLB, was with Chicago from 2015–2020 and became an immortal icon thanks to his explosive moments in the 2016 World Series. He left the Cubs with the regret of millions of fans.
And now… that name was suddenly mentioned by the new, powerful head coach of the Cubs in a way that made the whole city nervous.
A source close to the Cubs said that the Cubs have indeed kept in touch with Schwarber, and Counsell’s proactive mention of him was no coincidence. With the team looking for a “middle-of-the-order thumper,” Schwarber has all the ingredients: home run power, leadership, and a deep historical connection to the Cubs. Experts believe Counsell’s comments are an internal signal that Chicago is opening the door to a reunion more than ever.
As soon as the news broke, social media exploded with calls for the Cubs to bring Schwarber back to Wrigley Field. A series of old photos of him in the blue and white jersey were re-shared, along with hashtags asking to “Bring Schwarbs Home.” For many fans, parting ways with Schwarber in 2020 was the team’s biggest mistake, and Counsell’s suggestion was like a spark that rekindled hopes of a reunion.
An MLB Network reporter revealed that Schwarber “always considered Chicago home,” and once told family members that he had never “closed the door to returning to the Cubs.”
When asked about the Cubs at a recent charity event, he simply smiled and said, “Chicago will always have a place in my heart.”
That smile — now — fueled the rumors. What is Counsell’s plan?
Many experts believe that Counsell’s cryptic statement was not just a compliment to Schwarber, but a deliberate move to put pressure on Cubs management and “test” the market’s reaction. His emphasis on Schwarber as “an integral part” could be a signal that Chicago is seriously considering adding a true power hitter, or simply a message to Schwarber that Wrigley Field’s door is always open. A source in NL Central commented: “When Counsell said that in front of the media, there was definitely a bigger plan behind it.”
Another explosion is coming?
With the Cubs being criticized for their silence in the trade market, Schwarber’s involvement—on the heels of Counsell’s suggestion—could be Chicago’s biggest winter coup.
Cubs fans have waited a long time for a big moment.
And perhaps…
That moment is closer than ever.
Leave a Reply