Cubs players rank their historic 2016 team

Six former members of the 2016 Chicago Cubs baseball team recently evaluated the roster's place in franchise history. Dexter Fowler, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks, Ben Zobrist, Jon Lester, and Mike Montgomery participated in a discussion about the group that won the World Series. The players reflected on the specific skills and interpersonal dynamics that defined that season. They compared the 2016 group to other championship clubs and previous rosters in Major League Baseball. The conversation focused on talent depth, clubhouse culture, and the difficulty of sustaining success.

Fowler described the 2016 group as the best team he ever played for. He noted that the players were close friends in the locker room. Zobrist offered a comparative perspective, stating that the 2015 Kansas City Royals might have been superior against certain pitching styles. He described the Cubs as a neck-and-neck competitor with the Royals due to offensive power. Lester ranked the 2007 Boston Red Sox as the most talented team he witnessed. He placed the 2016 Cubs and the 2013 Red Sox in a tie for the best group atmosphere.

Hendricks called the 2016 Cubs the best team, players, and coaching staff in his career. Arrieta emphasized the character of the players over raw talent. He stated that the relationships formed during that season made the team special. Montgomery argued that the 2016 run ranked among the top five in baseball history. He cited the elimination of the 108-year curse as a primary factor in that assessment. The players agreed that the team had no weak spots in the lineup or pitching staff.

The group identified specific players who drove the team's performance. Fowler called Kris Bryant the best player on paper. Arrieta pointed to Jason Heyward, Anthony Rizzo, and David Ross for their leadership qualities. Zobrist highlighted the defensive and baserunning contributions of Bryant and Rizzo. He explained that those two players forced opposing pitchers to work harder before he reached the batter's box. The players agreed that the combination of these talents created a formidable offensive unit.

The participants discussed why the Cubs did not return to the World Series immediately after 2016. Lester said he was surprised the team did not reach another championship game. He noted that baseball is difficult and requires sustained financial investment. Hendricks mentioned that the group expected to return to the playoffs easily. He found the failure to do so disappointing. Montgomery believed the team could have won multiple titles between 2016 and 2020.

Zobrist expressed disappointment with the team's performance in 2018 and 2019. He believed the Cubs had a chance in both years but did not execute. Fowler stated that the team would have won multiple championships if the core group remained together. The players acknowledged the physical and mental exhaustion that affected the squad in the years following the 2016 title. They viewed the 2016 season as a unique convergence of talent and circumstance.