Chicago Cubs: Contreras, Almora look for sustained success

 For the Chicago Cubs to be successful this season, it isn’t going to just be about Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant or Kyle Schwarber. The team is going to need Willson Contreras and Albert Almora to find not just success, but sustained success for the Cubs to keep the pace.

After watching how the Chicago Cubs‘ Willson Contreras finished off the 2018 season, you might have forgotten that he was an All-Star earlier in the season. We’ve seen him have stretches where he absolutely dominates opposing pitching while leading the show behind the plate. The end of last season didn’t have that. His innings caught were the most in the majors, and that may have taken its toll on him. Contreras would never admit to that. But it’s hard to think all those innings behind the plate didn’t catch up with him.

Another one of the young core that needs to find his way is centerfielder, Albert Almora. Almora started off the year hot, as well. But his numbers dropped off at the end of the season. Like Jason Heyward, his defense was never in question. But the Cubs are still in search of a leadoff man. While I don’t think he fits that mold, he should get every opportunity to win that role this spring.

We’re all aware that the Cubs farm system isn’t what it used to be. In a sense, that’s not a bad thing. It means your talent in on the field that matters. But while the Cubs don’t sit at the top of the MLB Top 100 Pipeline, they still had a few names on the list. Miguel Amaya is a promising young player behind the plate, while Nico Hoerner may find his way up through the system quickly if many scouts are to be believed.

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These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Contreras is the key to Cubs success in 2019’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Can Almora find consistency at the plate?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs land two on MLB Top 100 prospects’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Have you looked at the Cubs schedule for 2019?’ – Bleacher Nation

‘For entertainment purposes only, Harper to Phils?‘ – Cubs Insider

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