The Chicago Cubs really got a steal when they traded Jeff Samardzija to the Oakland A’s and got a young shortstop by the name of Addison Russell in return. It took Addison about half a season to claim the starting shortstop position from long time Cub Starlin Castro in 2015, and this season Addison Russell is nearing history.
Addison hit his 18th home run of the season on Monday night, and notched his 80th RBI.
Addison Russell's 18th Hr Love the camera angle pic.twitter.com/nOExuQlWOp
— Brent Johnson (@Bj1Brent) August 23, 2016
That homer started to put his name in an interesting conversation, like Cubs history level.
Addison Russell is the 3rd shortstop in @Cubs history w/ 80 RBI in a season. Ernie Banks did it 7 times and Roy Smalley did it once
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 23, 2016
But this isn’t the only history Addison is about to make. According to Bill Baer, using Baseball-Reference, if Addison hits two more home runs this season he would become the 11th shortstop 22 or younger to top 20 homers in a season.
just looked at the list… pretty good company. https://t.co/UyChwvKfH8
— Bill Baer (@Baer_Bill) August 23, 2016
This of course has some people delirious over Russell and what he’s done this season.
Addison Russell is turning into Barry Larkin at a much younger age than Barry Larkin turned into Barry Larkin.
— Cubs No-Hit Streak (@CubsNoHitStreak) August 23, 2016
Addison Russell is going to crack the 20 HR mark as a 22 year-old SS. That's a future MVP, everyone. #Cubs #LetsGo #MLB #fb
— Chris DiNicolo (@CDiNicolo) August 23, 2016
If he does reach this feat, he would join some nice company. The list includes Call Ripkin (twice), Alex Rodriguez (three times), Troy Tulowitzki, Carlos Correa, as well as Corey Seager (this season).
You may not like that he was a NL All-Star, you may hate the Cubs fuzzy love all the players get, but that love is very well deserved when you step back and look at the statistical seasons these guys are putting up.
