Chicago Cubs: Our staff makes their predictions for the 2017 campaign

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Oct 29, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a single against the Cleveland Indians during the second inning in game four of the 2016 World Series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Most expect a rebound from Heyward in year two

Last season was a year to forget – at least offensively – for Jason Heyward. In his first year of the biggest contract in Cubs franchise history, the outfielder put up the worst numbers of his career. He did, however, bring Gold Glove defense to right field at Wrigley, but most fans got consumed in his struggles at the plate.

By and large, the Cubbies Crib staff think this year will be an improvement – albeit not a large one.

Question: At season’s end, will Jason Heyward hit above or below .260?

Quinn Allen: I believe Jason Heyward will hit around .250 this season. He put a lot of work into simplifying his swing this offseason and I believe once the season rolls around, he’s going to start producing offensively. It won’t be a banner season for him at the plate but I believe he will produce more than he did in 2016.

Jason Heyward put up the worst offensive numbers of his career in 2016. Despite this, our staff overwhelmingly believes his hard work will pay off and he’ll push his average north of his career .262 mark.

Tim Stebbins: Jason Heyward should bounce back from his abysmal 2016 season. While one shouldn’t expect him to hit .290 or .300, his career average is .262. For that reason, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he hits .270 or even closer to .280 in 2017.

Corey Francis: Hard work is rewarded and Heyward is putting in time and effort. That cannot be disputed. And, so far, his attitude and that of his teammates is positive. Heyward will be put in difficult situations this year, with runners on base or clutch situations. The dedication to his swing will pay off this year, and he will average above .260.

That’s a fair assumption. I mean, after barely posting an OPS above .300 last year, there’s nowhere to go but up, right? Not if you ask one of our staff writers.

David Miniel: Jason had a hard time keeping up with the fastball last year – which is one of many reasons why he tweaked his approach in the batter’s box during the offseason. Hasn’t shown much this spring (yes, I know it’s only Spring Training), so I’m going below .260.

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