Chicago Cubs: Which players could take a step back in 2017?

Nov 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the marquee with fans celebrating after game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians outside of Wrigley Field. Cubs won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the marquee with fans celebrating after game seven of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians outside of Wrigley Field. Cubs won 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Jon Jay (24) watches game action during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Jay

For his career, new Chicago Cubs outfielder Jon Jay has performed well. With the exception of the 2015 season, Jay’s batting average is above .276, with three seasons of .300+. For his seven years in the majors, Jay’s split is .287/.352/.384. Very similar to the player Jay is replacing.

The last two seasons for Jay were shortened by injury. In 2016, a fastball from Washington Nationals’ pitcher Gio Gonzalez struck Jay in the forearm, fracturing his ulna. He missed much of 2015 due to wrist issues. The Cubs will need him to stay healthy in order to repeat last year’s success.

While Jay is a potential 2.5 or 3-WAR players and has 2,700 at bats, he is still an unknown. Before his 2016 season ended, he was batting .291. That would have been second on the Cubs, just behind Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo at .292. While his stat show consistent performance, the pressure to make a statement is real. Hopes are high, but do not expect him to take walks or score runs as did Dexter Fowler.

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