Chicago Cubs: A look at how the new players have fared thus far

The Chicago Cubs spent a large amount of money in free agency this past offseason. While big contracts do not guarantee a player being successful, three new Cubs have all had some sort of success thus far.

Last offseason, the Chicago Cubs spent nearly $300 million on major league signings in free agency. Highlighted by Jason Heyward, John Lackey, and Ben Zobrist, the Cubs showed their willingness to spend money if it meant improving the team.

With the MLB season, a little more than a month old, the Cubs’ record stands at 22-6. Each of the three free agents has contributed in one way or another, so let’s take a look at how each player has done in 2016 so far.

Jason Heyward– Between these three players, Heyward has had the least amount of on-paper success after one month of the 2016 season. As of right after Friday’s game against the Washington Nationals, Heyward is hitting .211 with no home runs and just 13 RBI in 25 games. However, there may be a reason behind his slow start.

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Heyward recently revealed that he originally hurt his right wrist in Spring Training while doing tee work. He tried dealing with the pain to start the season before missing all three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this week.

While Heyward might not be getting things done at the plate, his defense has been as advertised after one month. The three-time Gold Glove Award winner (2012, 2014, 2015) has not made an error this season, anchoring the Cubs outfield defense that many saw as a weakness in 2015.

If Heyward’s wrist injury is the reason for his slow start at the plate, then the Cubs have nothing to worry about. Despite a .211 batting average, the right fielder has hit the ball hard all season, just continually at opposing defenses.

Friday against the Nationals, Heyward crushed a double off of Max Scherzer, the Nationals ace starting pitcher. If his wrist injury is truly behind him, look for Heyward to finally get things going at the plate.

John Lackey– Despite his ERA, Lackey truly has solidified the third rotation spot for the Cubs in 2016 so far. In six starts, Lackey has a record of 4-1 with a 4.02 ERA with 40 strikeouts. As a matter of fact, Lackey eclipsed the 2,000 career strikeout mark after mowing down 11 batters on Friday.

Despite his ERA being above 4.00, Lackey has been eating innings each time on the mound in 2016. The big right-hander has pitched into the sixth inning in every one of his starts, allowing two earned runs or less in four of those games.

Not only has Lackey been eating innings, but he has done so in an efficient manner. At 37 years-old, it is no secret that Lackey is no longer in his youth, meaning his body needs to hold up all season for a potential playoff run.

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Yes, Lackey has pitched 40 1/3 innings in 2016, but he has only thrown 100 pitches in a start one time, which was Friday against the Nationals. Keeping his pitch count down will keep Lackey fresh all regular season, hopefully, fresh enough to be a key member of the Cubs’ playoff rotation.

Ben Zobrist– After hitting just .260 in April, Ben Zobrist is hitting at a whole different level in May. Through six games this month, Zobrist has hit four of his five home runs of the season to go alongside 14 RBI.

Yes, the power numbers as of late are impressive, but Zobrist’s patience at the plate might be even more impressive. In 26 games, he has 20 walks, tied for second best on the team with leadoff man Dexter Fowler.

Last offseason, the Cubs’ management emphasized finding players that could get on base, score runs and drive in runs without hitting the long ball. While Zobrist’s power is more than welcome, his 10 RBI in April came despite hitting just one home run all month, and the one home run was a solo blast.

In addition to driving in runs, Zobrist has solidified the Cubs’ infield defense at second base. With the utmost respect to former Cubs’ infielder Starlin Castro, Zobrist has already proved to be a better defender at the position than Castro ever was. In 2015, Castro had 24 combined errors at shortstop and second base.

During his 10+ years in the major leagues, Zobrist has 32 errors at second base, the position that he has played the most games at. With all due respect to Castro, Zobrist is a better defender, plain and simple.

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At 22-6, the Cubs have the best winning percentage in baseball (.786) and the most overall wins. It’s hard to believe that a team that won 97 games last season could get even better, but the Cubs have done exactly that, and it’s clear that Heyward, Lackey, and Zobrist are three reasons why.