Chicago Cubs: Resurgent Kyle Schwarber shows no signs of slowing down

Two months into the season, Chicago Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber continues to look good in the field and at the dish, giving a major boost to the lineup.

Kyle Schwarber’s explosive 2015 NLDS showing against the St. Louis Cardinals seems like forever ago. Last season was just his first full Major League season – and it came with plenty of lows and very few highs. But the Chicago Cubs stuck with their former first-round pick. And, lo and behold, the move continues to pay off.

After capping Chicago’s late-inning rally over the Mets with a three-run opposite field shot, Schwarber tied Kris Bryant for third on the team with 28 RBI. The Cubs third baseman ranks ahead of Schwarber in OPS – but that’s the only name Schwarber is looking up at in that regard.

The most exciting part of his offensive performance so far this year? A 140 OPS+ and a 45:31 strikeout-to-walk mark. What does all that add up to? A .380 on-base percentage – which trails only Bryant and Ben Zobrist.

Deeper, more dangerous lineup

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We’re long past the days where opposing staffs focused on the dynamic duo of Bryzzo. This lineup is loaded from top-to-bottom. Javier Baez could drive in 80+ runs for the first time this year. Albert Almora continues to hit whenever he gets the nod in center.

Add in Zobrist, a former World Series MVP who is looking younger by the day, and the likes of Willson Contreras and, yes, Jason Heyward (he’s hitting  .385 in the last week) – and you have the makings of a lethal lineup.

That’s not to discredit Schwarber, either. In the past, similar to Rizzo’s early days in a Cubs uniform, he sat against southpaws pretty regularly. But this season, when he’s faced left-handers, he’s been more than solid.

He’s hitting .250 against right-handers, but all 11 of his home runs and 25 of his 28 RBI have come against them. But against lefties, he’s adjusted – shortening his stroke and focusing on contact and working counts. That’s resulted in a .296/.424/.370 slash line in 33 plate appearances.

Yes, it’s a small sample size. But the fact he’s capitalizing on said opportunities is promising, to say the least.

Power and OBP – I love it.

People forget that even in a disappointing 2017 season, this guy popped 30 homers and drove in 59 runs. At that point, though, most folks labeled him an all-or-nothing hitter. Which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Next: Time to start planning for the worst?

This is a pure hitter – a professional hitter, if you will. Don’t be shocked if we’re talking about a .400 OBP before this season draws to a close. 30 dingers, a .400 on-base clip and much-improved defense in left? Yes, please. Can I have some more?