Chicago Cubs: Five bold predictions for the 2019 season

Chicago Cubs: Cubs have five 30+ home run guys

It may not be so much as a ‘bold’ prediction as a prediction which could be realistic if the dominoes fall correctly. Last season the club saw a significant jump in power from second baseman Javier Baez, a sharp decline (through no fault of his own) for Kris Bryant, and a drop in power from Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, and Willson Contreras.

For the Cubs, the five players listed here all possess legitimate 30+ home run power. Beginning with Rizzo, the big first baseman failed to reach the mark for the first time in five seasons, falling just short with 25 big flies. Next, Bryant suffered a severe shoulder injury forcing him to change his swing completely. He missed a career-high 60 games.

Thirdly, Contreras also saw a significant decline in his power from two years ago when he dropped 21 bombs in just 117 games. Last season, Contreras hit only two home runs in the entire second half of the season, slugging a measly .294 with a .094 ISO. Naturally, it translated into a complete loss of power.

Baez and Schwarber fall next in the group. Baez crossed the threshold as he accounted for a career-high 34 home runs. It was an increase from 23 the year prior. Schwarber, meanwhile, finished just shy of the mark with 26 home runs of his own. The year prior, Schwarber did manage to reach 30 home runs in only 129 games. Impressive power.

It is apparent the Cubs have every ability with their core for all five guys to reach the 30 home run plateau. As long as each guy can stay healthy throughout as well as focus on their production, it is possible the team could have five 30 home run hitters.