Chicago Cubs: What could the Cubs lineup be on Opening Day?

Cleaning up

Kris Bryant made huge strides last year. Not only did he show his power, he hit for average. If the progress continues, Bryant’s numbers in 2017 will be prodigious. It is possible that he leads the majors in runs, home runs, runs batted in, and average. He was close in several categories in 2016, and with the potential lineup next year, pressure will be on pitchers to make decisions.

Hitting Bryant fourth makes sense. He hits for power, and batting cleanup will provide ample chances to prove that. It also gives Bryant opportunities to walk or hit with runners on base. Even with Fowler ahead of him in 2016, batting second prevented score chances for Bryant. However, he still knocked in 102 runs. Imagine innings with Zobrist and Schwarber on base, one out, and Bryant at the plate.

The potential is scary.