The Chicago Cubs Convention is a celebration of the past, present and future, and seldom has that been more evident than this weekend’s party at the Sheraton Grand Chicago.
The 2016 Cubs convened on the 10-year anniversary of their championship season, the current players, manager Craig Counsell and the coaches were on hand to kick off the 2026 campaign and dreams of repeating the once-in-a-lifetime run of ’16 were on everyone’s mind.
The weekend actually got started Thursday night at Wrigley Field when almost the entire 2016 team and other team personnel showed up to laugh, cry and tell a few lies, like any other 10-year reunion.
“It was really cool for me to celebrate their World Series,” Cubs left fielder Ian Happ said with a laugh Friday afternoon.
Happ wasn’t on that team, but he was a first-round draft pick in 2015 and remains as one of two remaining links to that Joe Maddon era, along with Nico Hoerner.
“I was able to hop in and see those guys and just get a chance to see everybody,” Happ said. “Not only the players, but the coaching staff that was here the next year. To see everybody and just say hi and all those old faces was really cool. Felt like it was just yesterday I was playing with those guys. There was a lot of love in that room, all those guys, for each other and what they accomplished.”
President Jed Hoyer said it was a fun night, and every player but Kris Bryant, Jake Arrietta, Hector Rondon, Jorge Soler and Tommy La Stella was on hand. Everyone had their old locker with their nameplates on it.
“It sort of gives the itch a little bit when you think of what that team accomplished and the kind of guys we had on that team,” Hoyer said. “It was obviously a great year and I think we’ll have more celebrations (during the season). A fun night, and I’m more tired tonight than I should be.”
Former Cubs manager David Ross, whom Hoyer fired after the 2023 season so Hoyer could hire the well-respected Counsell, was obviously a big part of that 2016 team. But he hadn’t been seen at Wrigley since the firing, outside of concerts, and told The Athletic last summer that he was blindsided by the decision.
“The way it went down sucked,” Ross said. “I’ve had so many people say the same thing . . . about how I got screwed. I don’t look at it like that. But a lot of people like it a lot less than me.”
Fortunately Ross returned for the reunion and to see best friend Jon Lester announced as one of three new members of the Cubs Hall of Fame, along with Jody Davis and late announcer Vince Lloyd.
President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer speaks with the media during the first day of the Cubs Convention on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Hoyer said he and Ross spoke at the reunion, and it was not a big deal.
“I’ve talked to him a lot,” Hoyer said of their relationship. “We’ve had a fair amount of communication throughout the last couple years, so it wasn’t the first time we’ve talked.”
All water under the bridge?
“I’m sure there’s naturally disappointment,” Hoyer said of Ross’ feelings. “I think rightfully he feels like he did a really good job. I don’t expect him to feel differently. But we’ve had a lot of conversations over the last couple years and those are cordial and fun.”
Life goes on, and hopefully Ross gets another opportunity to manage. Meanwhile, the Cubs had several hours to celebrate the arrival of free agent Alex Bregman on Thursday before the news hit that the Los Angeles Dodgers signed another free agent, Kyle Tucker, to a four-year, $240 million deal with an average annual value of $60 million, second to Shohei Ohtani’s $70 million per-year average.
The rich got richer, and all across baseball, fans of teams lamented the fact the Dodgers always get what the Dodgers want, no matter the price. According to spotrac.com, the Dodgers have an astounding $2.11 billion in guaranteed salaries on the books.
“Look, I think the Dodgers have run their team and their franchise really, really well,” Counsell said. “Clearly they think they can afford things like that, so that’s pretty amazing, and credit to how they’re running their team. When you get to certain levels (of spending), you do start to ask some questions, but there’s also a side of me that says they’ve taken risks to get to this point, and they should be rewarded for the risks they’ve taken to get there.”
Hoyer said he had conversations with Tucker’s agent, Casey Close, but few expected the All-Star right fielder to return to the Cubs. Hoyer said Tucker had an “interesting season” and helped carry the offense in the first half before slumping.
“He’s a star and got paid like a star,” Hoyer said matter-of-factly.
Few fans mourned the loss of last year’s big offseason addition, and most seemed happy the Cubs at least went out and got a significant free agent in Bregman. There was a decided buzz at the convention for Hoerner, whose high approval rating was apparent as trade rumors swirled. Hoyer said he “thinks the world of Nico,” but it’s his job to listen to any teams regarding trade discussions.
Second baseman Nico Hoerner has a laugh while being interviewed during the first day of the Cubs Convention on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Hoerner, who finished second in National League hitting with a .297 average and had a .973 OPS in the postseason, took it all in stride. He noted it was part of the business for any player heading into his walk year without a no-trade clause and said he hopes to stay a Cub.
“Trade rumors always make you reflect, and anything that makes you question things is always healthy,” Hoerner said. “I absolutely love the Cubs and I’m grateful to be here right now.”
With the addition of Bregman, could this team be the one that emulates the blueprint of those Maddon-led Cubs teams that broke the mold in 2015 and won it all in ’16?
“I joined the organization in ’15, and so I got to see the build between 2015 and ’16,” Happ said. “And there are definitely some similar feelings of building to a really good place, and a really good group, and then adding to that group.
“Seeing those guys in the room (Thursday), and the different personalities and guys that came through, there is a lot of that in this group, and a lot of the (same) love for the game and love for each other. I was lucky to have those experiences with those guys and get to learn from them.
“Hopefully we can implement some of that this year.”