Chicago Cubs: Making the case for Anthony Rizzo leading off in 2018

Chicago Cubs: Will Joe Maddon ever have a ‘regular’ lineup?

Now, after three years of watching Joe Maddon fill out a lineup card, we all know anything is possible. Even cornerstone guys like Kris Bryant play multiple positions and hit in multiple spots in the order.

That being said, for argument sake, let’s try and break this down. Moving Rizzo to the leadoff spot leaves a big hole in the middle of the order. Getting production from the supporting cast is the only way this works.

1. Anthony Rizzo – 1B
2. Albert Almora – CF
3. Kris Bryant – 3B
4. Willson Contreras – C
5. Kyle Schwarber – LF
6. Javier Baez – 2B
7. Jason Heyward – RF
8. Addison Russell – SS
9. Kyle Hendricks – P

The linchpin in all this? Continued development from both Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber. Contreras likely would have seen MVP votes had he not missed major time with an injury. Schwarber, meanwhile, improved after returning from Iowa. But he was far from what the Cubs hoped and expected for.

Albert Almora will have to show he’s capable of working counts, as well. He drew just 19 walks in 130-plus games last year – so it’s anybody’s guess how well he will adjust. Even without the walks, he did hit .298 with a .338 OBP – which is far from an issue.

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No one knows how this spring will play out. But there’s no one I believe in more than Anthony Rizzo. I trust him to not fall victim to what claimed Schwarber last year. In the leadoff spot, his mentality and maturity would serve him well, giving the Cubs a dangerous weapon atop the batting order.