Baez says he never wants to leave Cubs
For the third year in a row, the Cubs will head into the offseason with an uncertain future.
All of the regular position players are signed through next season, though, so it's possible the World Series nucleus will be back to try again in 2021.
Shortstop Javy Baez expressed dreams for his future after Friday's playoff loss.
"I think everybody that comes through here doesn't want to leave," Baez said. "The way they let us be us and have everything comfortable for us.
"I hope I never leave this city in my whole career, but anything can happen. I love the fans, the dedication they've got for this team. We'll see what happens and hopefully I stay here. I'm pretty sure there's not another organization like this one."
It's no secret this group of Cubs players have developed strong friendships since the championship season in 2016. The question is why haven't they been able to sustain that success.
Kris Bryant didn't want to see this group leave the clubhouse Friday, let alone go play for other teams.
"It's been so fun. Even this year, it's been so fun," Bryant said. "I have to commend everybody involved with this organization, with MLB.
"Everything about this season was first class, I'm actually kind of scared to go home, leaving this. I'm sad because I had so much fun with these guys."
Center fielder Ian Happ wasn't on the World Series team, but expressed similar sentiments.
"I think playing every day with (Kyle) Schwarber and Jason (Heyward) next to me, I told those guys in the clubhouse, that's the most fun I've had playing baseball in a long time," Happ said. "I felt like we together created a ton of chemistry."