NEWSLETTER
Although we already had an idea that the Chicago Cubs would be a part of the “Field of Dreams” game in 2022, it is now official.
The Cubs (and Reds) are headed to Iowa next August 11th:
https://twitter.com/MLB/status/1428815393041305601?s=20
Cubs Manager David Ross was the first to let the rumor slip (and Gordon Wittenmyer later reported their participation alongside the Reds), but you can officially start planning your trip – I know I will. In fact, I bet I could convince Brett to make this a destination company event for the whole crew.
With that said … oof, the Cubs and Reds have their work cut out for them.
Not only was the inaugural event just an awesome game on a fundamental baseball level, it was also a contest between two obvious competitors including one of the brightest and youngest teams in MLB (the White Sox) and the league’s most valuable franchise (the Yankees). The Cubs are a big draw – especially in Iowa – so they’ve sort of got that covered, but neither team is a particularly strong bet to be nearly as competitive as the White Sox or Yankees are this season. Who knows, maybe this will give Jed Hoyer and company a little push to improve the product before then.
The other problem is that this game is scheduled for after the trade deadline, so if the Cubs and/or Reds are sellers, there could be even LESS talent than they have at the start of the season. Heck, MLB included Patrick Wisdom on the front of their promo, which, hey, all love to Wisdom, but there’s absolutely no guarantee that he’s starting that game (or necessarily even on the roster) at that point.
But that’s all a conversation for another day. For now, I’m excited and looking forward to the event. Hopefully, the Cubs and Reds can help MLB replicate the success it had this year.
UPDATE: Here’s the release.
Official: Cubs-Reds in the cornfield in 2022. pic.twitter.com/89FDHm1qmA
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 20, 2021
