Chicago Cubs: Looking ahead: Who gets the first extension?

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts (left) hands the National League Championship Trophy to President of Baseball operations Theo Epstein after game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts (left) hands the National League Championship Trophy to President of Baseball operations Theo Epstein after game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 8
May 5, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the New York Yankees during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Schwarber

Arguably a Cubs legend already, Schwarber is an exciting slugger who has 40-homer potential written all over him. Although he’s batting leadoff right now, he could end up being an impact middle-of-the-order hitter for someone.

Pros: Being that he’s got so little experience, an extension could come cheaper right now than down the road. If Schwarber does end up reaching huge home run totals, then he may get too expensive.

Cons: Defensively he still needs work, and while he did make an unbelievable catch earlier this week there’s no defintiive spot for him yet. He could also very well end up being traded if a need arises, so waiting may be best before extending him.

Schedule