Chicago Cubs: Team’s 2018 success heavily dependent on young core

The young Chicago Cubs core that helped bring a World Series title to the North Side now lacks a safety net – and that might help unlock their potential.

It seemed predestined. The final out of the 2016 World Series had to be a play involving Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. A slow roller, an emerging grin and a high throw that sailed perfect into the first baseman’s mitt. Hollywood couldn’t write the Chicago Cubs’ historic Game 7 win any better.

But if you look past those two superstars, the Cubs’ young core played an unmistakable role in that historic season. And, not just in 2016, but really the team’s recent three-year run of remarkable success.

In each of those seasons, though, Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer had contingency plans in place. Key veterans like David Ross, Jon Jay, Dexter Fowler and the likes were integral parts of the roster each season. If young guys struggled, these guys were there and ready to assume the roles needed.

2018, though, seems to be quite different. In the outfield, Chicago opted for a combination of Ian Happ and Albert Almora in center field. Jason Heyward and Kyle Schwarber will flank those two, with Ben Zobrist undoubtedly getting reps in the corner spots, as well.

Aside from Zobrist, though, it’s time for this core to assume the responsibility on a day-in and day-out basis. And, with plenty of experience under their belt, despite their relative age, it could unlock the potential in several of these key players.

Will Javy break out the lumber in 2018?

As he ascended the Chicago Cubs’ prospect lists, Javier Baez projected as a potential 40-homer bat. In 2013, he blasted 37 homers between High-A and Double-A, prompting downright giddiness from anxious fans.

That power has translated to his Major League game – but with big caveats. Baez is one of the biggest free-swingers in the game today. In 2016, really his first season with consistent at-bats, he whiffed in 24 percent of his 450 plate appearances. Last year, that number climbed to 28 percent across 508 ABs.

According to Fangraphs, anything above 27.5 percent is considered ‘awful’. Couple that with a dismal three percent walk rate in ’16 and 6 percent clip in 2017 – you can see where the opportunity improve exists.

Despite these shortcomings, Baez managed to hit .273 in each of those seasons, setting career-highs in 2017 with 23 home runs and 75 RBI. Defensively, he, again, has all the potential in the world. His baseball IQ and instincts are unparalleled.

With Addison Russell healthy and back at shortstop, all we can hope is that Baez embraces the challenge as an everyday second baseman and learns to change his approach at the dish. Even if he doesn’t, keep in mind he still brings tremendous value to the team.

Can Happ and Almora do the job in center field?

In 2015 and 2016, Dexter Fowler patrolled center at Wrigley Field for the Cubs. Last season, a combination of Ian Happ, Albert Almora and veteran Jon Jay handled things for Joe Maddon. With Jay now in Kansas City, it’s up to the two youngsters to hold things down this year.

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Happ has been on an absolute tear this spring, showing impressive power from both sides of the plate. Almora is showing signs of heating up, as well. A platoon seems likely given Maddon’s past tendencies – and splits from these guys.

Almora needs to learn to draw walks or he’ll never be more than a fourth outfielder on a quality team. Sure, he hit nearly .300 last year, but he drew a grand total of six walks in 94 games against right-handed pitching. That won’t play at this level.

Happ, meanwhile, is an unproven commodity. He played incredibly well down the stretch last year, smacking 21 home runs in just 364 at-bats – while learning center field on the fly. His defense remains spotty at times, but the belief is that with more time, he’ll become more comfortable and plays get more routine.

These two could take the Cubs deep into October. There’s no doubt about that. It’s up to Maddon to set the matchups and get them both regular at-bats. And, if Jason Heyward continues to struggle at the dish, their roles could grow even larger.

Is an offseason transformation enough to jump-start the slugger?

Kyle Schwarber didn’t just lose weight this offseason. He completely rewrote the type of player he wants to be during his Major League career. More athletic and quicker, he could be a drastically improved defender in left field for the Cubs in 2018 – and an all-around better athlete.

He managed 30 home runs last year, but that’s pretty much where the positives stop. A midseason demotion to Triple-A Iowa served as a reality check for the former top prospect. After his return from Iowa, he performed better, but still not what the Cubs anticipate getting from him long-term.

After a loud rookie season debut, Schwarber missed the entire 2016 season with a knee injury. Of course, he returned in the World Series against all odds, hitting .412 as the team’s designated hitter against the Indians. Heading into 2017, the hype literally could not have been any bigger.

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But one year removed from that, Schwarber is ready to prove he belongs amongst the game’s best. If he can take that step and put his name in pen alongside the likes of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, the Chicago Cubs will take a big step toward becoming a dynasty in years to come.

That’s just how much potential Kyle Schwarber has.