Chicago Cubs: Making major strides
This past season, Schwarber began to show the Wrigley faithful once again how productive he can be. The difference after losing thirty pounds during the offseason helped guide Schwarber back on track. He was faster and more agile, as well as saw an overall increase in his production.
Schwarber played in a career-high 137 games, making 115 starts in left field. He finished by slashing .238/.356/.467 with 26 HR and 61 RBI. Included in the uptick in production, Schwarber finished with a .343 wOBA, 115 wRC+, and a career-high 3.2 WAR. A remarkable bounce-back to say the least.
If that all isn’t good enough, Schwarber increased his walk rate from 12.1 to 15.3 percent and decreased his strikeout rate from that 30.9 to 27.5 percent. While the strikeouts still exist, observing the patience he displayed throughout the season is undoubtedly a major positive step in the continued right direction.