Chicago Cubs: For Kris Bryant, leadership is key in 2019

Across the scope of this weekend, Kris Bryant has found himself in the spotlight. After having some fun at a division rivals expense, Bryant was at the helm of some comments surrounding the likes of free agent slugger Bryce Harper. All things considered, now is the time for Bryant to regain his leadership role for this franchise.

Last season, Kris Bryant dealt with adversity. It is a difficult thing to rehash because it was not the only thing which challenged the Cubs over the scope of the season. Thankfully, however, it was also the first time in Bryant’s young career where unintentional incidents created a void in his level of production.

First, let us be completely real and honest here. By statistical standards, Bryant did not have a bad season. It just was not the season Bryant nor Cubs fans envisioned. The glass half full optimist could argue Bryant still had a good season. He finished with a respectable 2.3 fWAR, a .359 wOBA, and a 125 wRC+, meaning he was above-average regardless of the lack in other areas.

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Many forget how midway through the first month of the season, Bryant took a nasty hit by pitch off the side of his helmet in a game in Colorado. It narrowly missed his left eye by a fraction, causing quite a scare. Then, Bryant missed a whopping 50 games after suffering a shoulder injury. Bryant finished with 102 games, the lowest mark in his career, slashing .272/.374/.460, a far cry of his former self.

The Cubs, as an organization, dealt with adversity last season. Outside as well as internal issues caused quite a challenging environment, marred by an early exit from the postseason. Now, moving into the new season, there is cautious optimism surrounding the team. For Bryant specifically, it is time for him to make his return and back those previous comments up with a mega season.

Chicago Cubs: Leading with intention

It is no secret that the club was challenged throughout the entirety of the 2018 season. From the off-field struggles to the loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on the final day of the season, culminating with the extra-inning Wild Card loss, it was not a fun way to finish. However, the team did still win 95 games and ended with a fourth straight playoff appearance.

While the struggles Bryant sustained were by no means his fault, as injuries happen, how the response is tailored will speak volumes of how both Bryant and the Cubs can rebind in a significant way for 2019. Just a couple days ago, the MLB.com Cubs reporter Jordan Bastian reported on Kris Bryant and the connection to Harper and the ongoing free agency saga plaguing the offseason.

Breaking this down, it is easy to understand where Bryant is coming from. Bryant stating the Cubs have a “killer team” without major additions is true, when the team is firing on all cylinders. It has not been the case. However, despite the success, the team found last year. Inner turmoil with both off-field issues and first office quarrels have created a strange feeling in the clubhouse. Now, however, Bryant has the opportunity to back his word up, and we should stake that belief wholeheartedly on his return to prominence.

Chicago Cubs: Returning to form

Bryant’s down year last year is not his fault. Bryant has also had just one down year since arriving in the show. Throughout Bryant’s young career to this point, he has been worth 23.1 WAR. Impressive showing as his years from 2015-17 saw him earn Rookie of the Year honors, an MVP, and help lead the Cubs to their first world championship in 108 years.

Last year, Bryant saw his strikeout rate increase to his highest since his rookie season, and the lingering effects from the shoulder injury decreased the power numbers as he hit just 12 home runs over 457 plate appearances. His hard contact percentage also saw a significant decrease from 40.3% in the year before to a career-low 32.8%.

Nevertheless, things are once again looking up for the young All-Star and former MVP. Reports from last month state that Bryant is back to training without restrictions and according to a piece from Mark Gonzales in the Chicago Tribune, General Manager Jed Hoyer was quoted about Bryant’s progress.

“He’s excited and ready to go. He looks good.”

While the Cubs still found great success last season, Bryant returning to form will move mountains for this franchise in the right direction once again and help them to regain their dominance in the division.