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Russell, who will turn 25 in January, is
eligible to return May 3 next season. But it remains to be seen
whether the Cubs will welcome him back.
The All-Star shortstop's future is "up in the air" as baseball
executives gather for the annual general managers' meetings this
week in Carlsbad, Calif., reported The Athletic's Patrick
Mooney.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said the
issue transcends baseball.
"We have to understand that with all of our words and actions
going forward, whether we know it or not, we're sending messages
to our fans, who all have their own unique backgrounds and
histories and sensitivities and perspectives that's important,"
he said to reporters after the end of the season. "But I
honestly, personally, think the most important thing going
forward is to be part of the solution. And to focus on -- not to
sound really corny about this -- but making this a better place
and making sure this doesn't happen again going forward.
Especially on our watch and trying to control what we can
control.
"So being there for our players, for their spouses, for their
families, maybe putting some systems in place to help and be
very proactive. That's what I'm thinking about."
Russell was suspended after his ex-wife posted detailed
allegations of both physical and verbal abuse during their
marriage, sometimes in front of their young child, she claimed.
The Cubs acquired Russell in 2014 as part of a deal that sent
pitchers Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Oakland
Athletics. Russell has hit .242 with 51 homers and 230 RBIs in
533 career games and was a key part of the Cubs' 2016 World
Series championship team.
--Field Level Media
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