Chicago Cubs: Despite what you think, Kyle Schwarber performed well in 2018

Chicago Cubs: Schwarber went bomb-for-bomb in the Derby

Kyle Schwarber started off 2018 the way most fans thought he should have started 2017, as he put up an OPS of .969 in April, followed by .801 and .810 in May and June. He finished the first three months with 16 home runs and 37 RBI while drawing 49 walks.

His fast start and reputation for hitting bombs even earned Schwarber a spot (along with teammate Baez) in the 2018 Home Run Derby, where he put on a show in each round, but ultimately fell to hometown hero, Bryce Harper, in the finals. Despite his runner-up finish, Schwarber hit 55 home runs in his three rounds, finishing with the second-most home runs in Derby history.

Unfortunately, Schwarber suffered a slump in July and August (maybe the fabled Home Run Derby curse) along with the rest of the Cubs’ offense, struggling to put up league average-type .751 and .746 OPS marks. While he did pick that up in September to the tune of an .884 OPS, his back limited his at-bats and effectiveness down the stretch and I suspect it may have been worse than anyone let on.