Chicago Cubs: Despite critics, Kyle Schwarber has actually been pretty good

Expectations have always been high for Kyle Schwarber. In the eyes of many fans, he has failed to live up to them. But is such criticism warranted?

It may be the case on the surface, but Kyle Schwarber’s reality has been better than that of a failed perception. Just 25 years old, the Chicago Cubs big lefty from Middletown, Ohio is, by his standards, having a career year.

Schwarber’s debut came unabashedly on the Cubs’ impressive run to the National League Championship Series in 2015. Wetting his feet to the big league scene, Schwarber posted an impressive .364 wOBA and 131 wRC+ in 273 plate appearances. Unfortunately, it would be awhile until the Chicago faithful saw him in live game action.

As it feels, Schwarber has always seemed like a bit of an enigma. After missing the entire 2016 season with a torn ACL, Schwarber made his splash in the World Series and showed everyone, once again, how productive he could be. Last season, despite hitting 30 home runs, Schwarber struggled with barely keeping his production over league average. Nevertheless by his standards this season, Schwarber has been better than most realize.