Chicago Cubs: Five players poised for a big 2017 season

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs players celebrate after defeating the Cleveland Indians in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

There are so many other players on this team that could be ready to have a big season for the Cubs. Players like Albert Almora and Willson Contreras who will be getting their first full seasons in. Jon Lester is another that could repeat his fine 2016 season.

Next: How do the Cubs measure up against the '76 Reds?

But every season has to start somewhere, so these are my guys I’m taking to start this campaign. This team will see more than it’s share of success stories if they stay hungry and motivated like they were last year. And now they have experience. They have depth. And they have the desire to be the first repeat champs since the Big Red Machine in 1976.