Chicago Cubs: Quit with the Kris Bryant pessimism, Cubs fans

Chicago Cubs: The Iapoce effect

It is important to remember that Bryant was a menace under former hitting coach John Mallee. Now that Mallee apostle Anthony Iapoce takes the reigns as the Cubs’ new hitting coach, we may see Bryant revamp the approach that made him so successful in his first three seasons.

Like Mallee, Iapoce is a proponent of “launch angle,” which is a notable component of Bryant’s power stroke. Carrie Muskat wrote in 2016 about his commitment to a more balanced swing that helped him become a tougher out while still retaining his power.

With Iapoce on board, Bryant will look to rediscover himself as a more balanced and dangerous hitter, and it would hardly be a stretch to say this subtle change may result in big gains.