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Chicago Cubs: Multiple players could break out this season in a big way
Despite their relative age, the Chicago Cubs are pretty well established. But there are a few players ready to break out and earn major roles moving forward.
The Chicago Cubs have enjoyed the best three-year stretch in franchise history – thanks to one of the best talented young cores in the game. Headlined by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, this group appears poised to make its fourth-consecutive postseason in 2018.
But among these star players are guys who have shown flashes – but are yet to cement themselves as top-tier Major League players. If even one or two of these guys can break out this year, the Cubs can get back to the dominance we saw in 2015.
It won’t be easy. The Milwaukee Brewers appear hopeful on knocking off the Cubs. In St. Louis, the Cardinals brought in slugger Marcell Ozuna as a shot-in-the-arm offensively. But if Chicago adds their much sought-after top-tier arm, they have to be the favorites.
But that’s a discussion for another time. Let’s talk about some of these young talents.
Albert Almora ready to show he’s the man
Nobody really knows what Albert Almora is yet in terms of playing time. He has killed lefties, but has struggled, at times, against right-handers. Last year, his OPS against southpaws was nearly 200 points higher than against righties.
With Jon Jay likely headed elsewhere, it’s on Almora and fell youngster Ian Happ to patrol center field for the Cubs. Almora is coming off a .298 average in 132 games, but his .338 OBP leaves plenty to be desired, especially from a potential leadoff man.
In 2018, all signs point to Almora being the everyday center fielder, and he has a chance to really show off his stuff. Joe Maddon believes Almora can hit 20 home runs each season. The former first-rounder has shown flashes of his great defense out there, which is what his scouting report says.
The Cubs would love it if Almora took the next step, as it would reinforce Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer’s steadfast belief in him throughout the years.
Dillon Maples looking to break into the roster
Maples is a nice story. He had floated around down in Single-A ball for five years, but, something clicked in 2017. The right-hander worked from Class A-Advanced Myrtle Beach all the way to the Major Leagues.
His time in the majors was a mixed bag, as is the case with many players. Maples was fairly solid, though, minus one rocky outing in which he allowed five earned runs in just 1/3 of an inning. (For reference, he allowed just one earned run in his other five appearances combined.
The reason people are so high on Maples is because of his slider, mostly. However, like most of the Cubs’ pitchers from last year, he has a bit of an issue with walking guys. New pitching coach Jim Hickey will look to cut down on the walks, and harness some of these pitchers’ control. Maples should compete for a bullpen spot in Spring Training.
Is Schwarber ready to break out in the regular season?
Look, Cubs fans, Kyle Schwarber can hit.
It’s not easy rehabbing like crazy back from a torn ACL, hitting in five games, having another three months off, then playing a full season, as is the case with Schwarber. Despite his struggles last year, the dude still cracked 30 bombs.
Now, healthier than ever, with a full season under his belt, look for him to build off last season’s second half and absolutely rake in 2018. Schwarber will always have his stretches of 0-for-10 with nine strikeouts, as well as his 2-for-25 with 16 strikeouts.
Next: Cubs are still the favorites, despite Brewers' moves
But, when Schwarber gets hot, he will get hot and have the potential to carry the team for about a week or two. The definition of streaky. His improved physique and altered approach at the dish will, hopefully, lend to more consistent results – and a big impact 2018 campaign.