...Although I mostly expect Russell be gone, it's possible that Theo et al want to find out if he can get back to where he was a few years ago as an excellent defensive middle infielder and a useful bat....
Russell was $3.4 this year. Assuming the Cubs non-tender him to get out from underneath his $3.4 contract, I wonder what kind of contract he'll get as a FA? With his baggage and bat, is it possible he won't get a guaranteed contract anywhere, and might settle for some kind of a split contract?