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Chicago Cubs: Above-average production
Many people’s understanding of success rests on how many home runs a player hits, how many runs they drive in or, God forbid, how high their batting average is at season’s end. Forget all of that. Yes, Bryant saw the worst statistical season of his career, but it was not a failed campaign.
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In the most critical stats which should be seen as the central tenet of a player’s overall success, Bryant had a successful season. He finished with above-average numbers in wOBA, wRC+, and WAR. Bryant finished with a very respectable .359 wOBA, 125 wRC+ and, as previously mentioned, a 2.3 WAR.
To the average fan’s mind, Bryant’s season was not a success. The overall power numbers failed to manifest and the struggle to stay healthy certainly hurt his level of production. That being said, even at the lowest moments of his career to this point, Bryant still produced, and it should be noted as such.
Final thoughts
Bryant struggled for the first time in his career. The glass half full understanding is that, despite the downturn in his offense, the Chicago Cubs still finished with 95 wins. When Bryant is healthy, he produces. Wrigleyville should not have any worries moving forward.
Bryant can put this season behind him and look toward a healthy productive 2019 season, hopefully, capped with a second World Series title in the last four years.
Seasons such as this happen, and it is completely fine. The Cubs slugger bouncing back and responding in the way I anticipate is absolutely essential. I believe, as do most Cubs fans, that Kris Bryant will find his groove once again and bounce back in a huge way.