Chicago Cubs: Kyle Schwarber transformed his body – and also his game

A combination of speed and power?

Truth be told, if Schwarber hit 40 home runs this season, no one would care how fast he was in the outfield. His speed will not raise eyebrows in 2018 unless his bat can make Wrigley scream with excitement.

"MLB.com reports Schwarber closed the 2017 season with 18 home runs over his last 65 games and finished the season with 30 home runs, 13th in the National League."

The 2018 version of Schwarber; the one that will remember Triple-A Iowa, that skipped his vacation, shed 20 pounds, got fast and ate chicken has certainly set the stage of expectation high.

Schwarber’s spring-ending .381 average is just the start. Look for a healthy, strong Schwarber to bat very well against lefties. Schwarber should have no difficulty hitting 35+ home runs this season. Look for Schwarber to increase his on base percentage and most importantly, help lead his team to the postseason.

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Schwarber’s outfield heroics fell short on opening day against the Marlins.  However, after a couple of errors in the outfield, Schwarber hit his first home run of the season.

For Schwarber, the hard work is ahead. After all, this season is going to be just like vacation.