The Cubs won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908, becoming the first major league team to play in three consecutive World Series, and the first to win it twice.

On July 30, 2012, Soto was traded to the Rangers for right-handed pitcher Jake Brigham. Brigham was traded back to the Rangers for Barret Loux on November 20, 2012. Loux suffered a shoulder injury and underwent Tommy John surgery, which forced him to miss the 2014 season. In 2015, he experienced an elbow injury after making three starts for the AAA Iowa Cubs and was released on July 17.

Prior to 2016, the Cubs hadn't won a World Series since 1908--an MLB record 108 year drought.