Chicago Cubs: Chris Archer should be an off-season target

4 of 5

CHICAGO, IL – JULY 27: Kyle Schwarber (C) of the Chicago Cubs is greeted by his teammates after hitting a two-run homer against the Chicago White Sox during the fourth inning on July 27, 2017 at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Does Schwarber fit with the Rays?

As a DH, Schwarber could split time with Corey Dickerson. The Rays have employed 15 different designated hitters this season, but Dickerson is by far their best option. Currently, Dickerson is slashing .324/.356/.595 in 50 games as the DH.

Dickerson bats left-handed, but he actually has better numbers this season against left-handed pitchers. Dickerson is slashing .313/.350/.489 against lefties compared to .276/.326/.501 against right-handers.

Schwarber’s splits are just the opposite as the 24-year-old’s batting average is 39 points higher against right-handers than it is against left-handers this season.

Maybe as a left-fielder?

When Schwarber is in the Cubs’ lineup, he plays left field. This season, the Rays have used seven different left fielders. As a group, those seven are slashing .267/.318/.457 with 21 home runs and 53 RBI. While their batting average is higher, Schwarber’s OBP currently sits at .312. In addition to that, Schwarber has clubbed 21 home runs this season, tying the production from the Rays’ left fielders.

On the defensive side of things, Schwarber falls in line with the production of the Rays’ outfielders. Corey Dickerson, who has logged the most innings in left field this season, owns a -0.7 DWAR and a zone rating of 10.87.

In fact, the seven players who have played left-field for the Rays this season have an average zone rating of 11.54. Currently, Schwarber has a zone rating of 15.33 in 2017 and a 16.42 mark for his career. In addition to that, Schwarber’s DWAR currently sits at -0.8, which is not a major difference from what the Rays are getting right now.

Home/Chicago Cubs News