Chicago Cubs: Five players who will regress in 2017

Addison Russell

2016 stats: .238, 21 HR, 95 RBI

There is no doubt that Addison Russell is one of the game’s best shortstops. The 23-year-old saved 19 runs defensively in 1,262 2/3 innings at shortstop in 2016.

In addition to his great work in the field, Russell put up great numbers at the plate. He hit 21 home runs and drove in 95 runs while hitting a modest .238.

Russell has only been in the big leagues two full seasons. Even though he did greatly increase his offensive numbers in 2016, do not expect those numbers to increase in 2017.

Even though Russell improved his strikeout rate from 31.3% in 2015 to 25.7% in 2016, his batting average decreased.

Russell will need to continue to cut down his strikeout rate if he wants to secure his name with the best shortstops in the league.

In 2017, Russell should improve upon his 2016 batting average. Expect to see his home run and RBI totals drop this season. The reason for the decrease is that his numbers in 2016 were close to the ceiling of what to expect from Russell.

The youngster will have a good year defensively but expect him to take a step back at the plate in the upcoming season.