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The Unseen Career: Where Is Former Cubs Star Addison Russell Now And Can He Return To MLB?

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The story of Addison Russell is one of immense potential, World Series glory, and a dramatic fall from grace that saw him exit Major League Baseball (MLB) in his prime. As of late 2025, the former Chicago Cubs shortstop is actively pursuing a return to the big leagues, showcasing his skills in international baseball in a bid to prove he deserves another shot at the highest level of the sport.

The journey has been turbulent, marked by a critical suspension that ended his tenure with the Cubs. However, recent performance in the Mexican League suggests the talent that once made him a top prospect and a key player on a championship team still exists, fueling speculation about a potential comeback that would be one of the most compelling stories of the 2026 baseball season.

Addison Russell: Biography and Career Timeline

Addison Wayne Russell’s professional career has been a rollercoaster of elite performance and significant controversy, spanning the heights of an MLB championship to the depths of international leagues.

  • Full Name: Addison Wayne Russell
  • Born: January 23, 1994 (Pensacola, Florida)
  • Position: Shortstop / Second Baseman
  • MLB Draft: Selected 11th overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.
  • Key Trade: Traded to the Chicago Cubs on July 5, 2014, in a deal that sent Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel to the Athletics.
  • Cubs MLB Debut: April 21, 2015.
  • Career Highlight: Key starting shortstop for the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. He hit a grand slam in Game 6 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians.
  • MLB All-Star: National League All-Star in 2016.
  • MLB Tenure: Chicago Cubs (2015–2019).
  • Major Controversy: Suspended 40 games by MLB in 2018 for violating the league’s Domestic Violence Policy.
  • Post-MLB Career: Kiwoom Heroes (KBO - 2020, 2023), Acereros de Monclova (LMB - 2022, 2024, 2025).
  • Current Team (2025): Acereros de Monclova (Mexican League).

The Fall From Grace: Suspension and Departure from Chicago

Russell’s time with the Chicago Cubs, while featuring a World Series title and an All-Star appearance, came to an abrupt end due to serious off-field issues. The shortstop was once considered the franchise cornerstone at his position, but his tenure became defined by the consequences of his actions.

In 2018, Major League Baseball announced a 40-game suspension without pay for Russell after he was found to have violated the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy. The suspension was a direct result of an investigation into allegations made by his former wife.

Upon his return from the suspension in 2019, Russell was optioned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, a move that signaled a major shift in his standing with the organization. He eventually returned to the major league roster but struggled to recapture his previous form. The Cubs ultimately chose to non-tender Russell in December 2019, making him a free agent and officially ending his five-year run with the team.

This decision marked a pivotal turning point. The non-tender was a clear message that the organization was moving on, forcing the talented infielder to seek opportunities outside of North American Major League Baseball to rebuild his career and reputation. His departure left a void for the Cubs, who had traded away a significant part of their future to acquire him years earlier, and forced a complete re-evaluation of his path back to the top tier of the sport.

Life After MLB: Dominating the International Baseball Circuit

Since leaving the Cubs, Russell has consistently sought to prove his value and maintain his professional skills across various top international leagues. His post-MLB career has been characterized by a determined effort to showcase his elite talent, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

The KBO and LMB Experience

Russell's first major stop outside of the MLB system was the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), where he signed with the Kiwoom Heroes in 2020. He returned to the Kiwoom Heroes again for the 2023 season, demonstrating his ability to produce in a high-level, competitive league. The KBO is often viewed as a proving ground for former MLB players looking to earn a second chance.

His primary focus in the most recent years has been the Mexican League (Liga Mexicana de Béisbol or LMB). He first signed with the Acereros de Monclova in 2022 and has since become a key fixture for the club. The LMB is a highly respected league known for its offensive environment and competitive spirit, making it an ideal place for a player to put up impressive numbers.

2024 Performance: A Strong Case for an MLB Return

The most compelling evidence for Russell’s continued high-level play comes from his 2024 season with the Acereros de Monclova. Showing he can still be an elite offensive force, Russell put up exceptional numbers that have undoubtedly caught the attention of MLB scouts.

In 82 games during the 2024 LMB season, Russell hit a robust .319 batting average, a significant figure in any league. He complemented this with seven home runs and drove in 51 RBIs. These statistics are a clear indication that his plate discipline and power are still intact, proving he can handle high-velocity pitching and generate runs efficiently. Furthermore, he continues to play the demanding shortstop position, maintaining his defensive value.

The Burning Question: Will Addison Russell Return to MLB in 2026?

The question of an MLB return is complex, blending on-field performance with off-field considerations. Russell has openly expressed his desire to return to the big leagues, and his recent play in the Mexican League strongly supports his case from a purely baseball perspective.

The Talent Factor

At 31 years old (as of 2025), Russell is still in his athletic prime for a middle infielder. His performance in the LMB, a league often seen as a step below Triple-A but above Double-A, suggests he could easily handle a utility infielder role or even a starting job for a team in need of defensive stability and a right-handed bat. His career 11.7 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) and his reputation as a Gold Glove-caliber defender are attributes that MLB teams highly value.

The Contractual and Ethical Hurdles

The primary obstacles are not his swing or his glove, but the ethical and public relations considerations surrounding his past suspension. Any MLB team considering signing Russell would face scrutiny from fans, media, and advocacy groups. The league’s heightened focus on domestic violence policy means any return would be heavily monitored.

However, the baseball landscape is constantly changing. Teams are always looking for affordable, high-upside talent. If Russell continues to dominate in the LMB in the 2025-2026 offseason, and if he can demonstrate a continued commitment to personal growth and responsibility, a team with a need for an experienced infielder may take a calculated risk. The most likely path for a return would be a minor league contract with an invitation to Spring Training, allowing him to prove himself without the immediate pressure of a guaranteed roster spot. A successful comeback story for Addison Russell would be a major narrative, but it remains a decision that will weigh heavily on both the player's and the potential team's reputation.

cubs addison russell
cubs addison russell

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