Chicago Cubs: The case for Bryant
Kris Bryant won National League MVP honors in just his second season due mostly to a revamped approach at the plate.
Former MLB.com writer Carrie Muskat wrote about Bryant’s commitment to a flatter swing in 2016, and this new approach translated to Bryant’s strikeout rate fell from 30.6 percent in 2015 to just 22 percent in 2016. This is notable considering Bryant’s swing percentage was nearly identical to his 2015 rate, and he actually swung at more pitches outside of the strike zone, according to FanGraphs.
While KB was not quite as productive in 2017, he still put up good numbers. Bryant posted a 146 wRC+, just a touch below his 148 wRC+ produced the year prior, according to FanGraphs.
Of course, injuries and inconsistency derailed Bryant in 2018. But with John Mallee disciple Anthony Iapoce taking the reins as hitting coach and Bryant likely being as determined as ever this offseason, it is more than likely he can regain his form as one of the best players in baseball.