Brothers had unique view of 2016 World Series champs

The Cubs traded for pitcher Rex Brothers from Colorado back in 2016. But after a poor performance in spring training, he was released before the regular season began and ended up taking the year off.

It all worked out OK. After spending a couple of years in the minors, he's back with the Cubs and has been one of their best relievers. But he also got an inside glimpse at the group that would win the World Series seven months later and end the longest hex in American pro sports.

"I remember being in that clubhouse and I don't really know how to articulate," Brothers said. "Just a buzz almost within the players. I've never been around another group where like, 'Those guys knew.' That was a special group.

"Obviously that was my first time leaving Colorado and just being around those guys and seeing how they went about their business. But that was a special, special group for sure."