Chicago Cubs: 5 players that need a bounce back year in 2018

Jason Heyward, OF

I know everyone expected to see Jason Heyward on this list. And I, of course, put him on here. But to be honest, does he really belong on it? After a dreadful first year in Chicago, Heyward went out to Arizona and went to work on revamping his swing. It wasn’t the first time, and it likely won’t be the last. And while we talk about how he was better, but not good, was he that far off his career numbers? The answer is no. Not at all.

Heyward hasn’t been the doubles hitter he was before, but his numbers are right on par with his career totals. His .259 average is just below his .262 career average. He cut down on his strikeouts last season and grounded into fewer double plays. Aside from fewer games and less doubles, Heyward was right on with his one season in St. Louis.

What does this mean? Did the Cubs overpay for him? I think we know the answer to that. But this is what the game has become. The Cubs have gotten what they should have expected. A perennial Gold Glover with a mediocre average. If Heyward keeps this up, the Cubs can’t be disappointed in him, but in how much they paid him for his services.