Chicago Cubs: A look at the projected 2016 starting lineup

Oct 7, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman

(17) throws to first base against the buck during the sixth inning in the National League Wild Card playoff baseball game at PNC Park. The Cubs won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Third Base: Kris Bryant

What can I say about this player that no one else has already said? Chicago’s former first-round draft pick turned in a fantastic Cactus League performance, only to find himself with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs to start off the season.

He made his big league debut against James Shields and San Diego Padres, eventually turning into the young stud we all heard about since he was drafted.

Whenever this young man was in the batter’s box, he was aiming to destroy the new video board at Wrigley Field. While Bryant appeared to be comfortable hitting the cover off the baseball at the Friendly Confines, only a handful of his offensive stats came while playing on the road.

In 292 at-bats on the road, Bryant only managed to hit five homers, 40 RBI, one triple, 17 doubles, 71 hits and struck out 110 times while hitting just .243/.333/.360. He led the team and majors with a total of 199 strikeouts.

Nonetheless, Maddon’s N.L. Rookie of the Year finished the season with 26 homers and 99 RBI, eclipsing previous marks that were set by Billy Williams back in 1961, possibly becoming the greatest Cubs rookie of all-time.

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