Chicago Cubs: A look at the projected 2016 starting lineup

With the world of professional baseball buzzing after the Chicago Cubs and veteran outfielder Jason Heyward both came to an agreement on an 8-year, $184 million deal, fans are drooling over this starting lineup.

To bring everybody up to speed, Theo Epstein made the decision to trade away three-time All-Star Starlin Castro to the New York Yankees for right-hander Adam Warren and a player to be named later.

It was sad to watch the 25-year-old infielder leave the franchise in which he became the youngest Cub to ever reach 200-hits in a season, but this is a business.

Still, this club is looking great even in the starting rotation now that Chicago has themselves a solid No. 3 starter behind Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester.

Instead of throwing out millions to David Price, Zack Greinke or Johnny Cueto, Joe Maddon has 37-year-old right-hander John Lackey in his back pocket. He’s proven to be a reliable arm in the postseason after having to step up for the injured Adam Wainwright who made his return as a reliever in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

There’s no doubt that St. Louis is still considered the favorite to win the N.L. Central, considering how dominant they’ve been even when losing key members of their roster for a year. Not sure how they manage to pull it off, but the Cardinals always find a way to the top.

Following a 97-win season only to be eliminated in the National League Championship Series, here’s a look at the projected 2016 lineup that’s looking to finish what they started in 2015.

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