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The Chicago Cubs made a pivotal decision on Friday regarding the future of infielder Nick Madrigal, opting to non-tender the former No. 4 overall draft pick, thereby sending him to free agency. After a rollercoaster five-year stintwith the Cubs, Madrigal’s time in Chicago came to a close, leaving many to reflect on the unfulfilled potential that once surrounded him.

Madrigal, selected by the Cubs with high hopes as the fourth overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, was expected to be an impact player. Known for his elite contact skills, solid defensive ability, and high baseball IQ, he seemed like a perfect fit in a Cubs lineup looking for a reliable, table-setting presence. However, despite his strong collegiate career at Oregon State, his professional journey has not gone according to plan.

One of the key issues for Madrigal has been his lack of power. Coming out of college, he was never a player known for hitting for power, and that trend continued in the major leagues. In 868 at-bats over his five seasons with the Cubs, Madrigal hit just four home runs, adding only five triples and 39 doubles. His slash line of .274/.323/.344 and a subpar 86 OPS+ reflect his struggles to consistently produce offensively at the big-league level, particularly in a modern game that increasingly prioritizes power hitters.

Injuries only complicated matters further for Madrigal. Since his 2020 debut, he has only appeared in 285 games, a concerning total that prevented him from finding a rhythm and contributing regularly to the Cubs’ lineup. A combination of soft-tissue injuries and a general lack of durability left the Cubs with little confidence that Madrigal could be the everyday player they had once hoped for.

Despite his struggles, Madrigal’s pedigree as a high draft pick and his defensive versatility will likely draw interest from other teams. However, it’s unclear how many will be willing to invest heavily in a player with his injury history and underwhelming offensive production. While his time with the Cubs ends on a disappointing note, it’s clear the franchise made the right call in parting ways, signaling that they’re ready to move forward with a different direction.

For Madrigal, the path ahead is uncertain. He’ll now look to prove that, despite his challenges in Chicago, he still has the potential to contribute at the major league level. But for a player whose strengths have failed to make a major impact, it remains to be seen whether another team will take a chance on his promising defensive abilities and contact-first approach.