Chicago Cubs aren’t going to trade Kyle Schwarber anytime soon

Chicago Cubs looking for a new approach to offense in 2018

There are two very distinct approaches to hitting in Major League Baseball right now. The New York Yankees, for example, seem intent on mashing their way to wins and titles. The reigning World Series champion Houston Astros, on the other hand, work counts and execute based on situations remarkably well.

Based on the Cubs’ hiring of Chili Davis, Chicago plans on going in on that second approach in 2018. And, to be frank, it makes sense. Guys like Kris Bryant struggled in the clutch in 2017, despite an overall solid campaign. Being able to shorten up and deliver situational hitting is more often than not, the difference in close games. And Kyle Schwarber plans on doing his part moving forward.

Schwarber has been working to ‘transform his body’ and appeared notably slimmer in recent social media posts. He hopes to become more of a hitter than a slugger – and that’s when the Cubs will be at their best.

Schwarber could easily be a 40-double guy for Chicago. Whether you slot him into the two-spot or in the middle of the order among Bryant, Rizzo and Willson Contreras, the intrinsic value is apparent. The Cubs don’t need to have half-a-dozen guys chasing 25 homers to win. They need to deliver when it counts – and sometimes, that’s just a single to the opposite field or advancing a runner.