Chicago Cubs: Best performers in Spring Training

We took the day off yesterday to watch the Chicago Cubs season opener. So this is up a day late, but still relevant to see how some players performed this spring.

It is finally that time of year. The games will count, and the excitement is starting to set in. As we things get rolling with a Chicago Cubs Opening Day victory, let’s look back at the spring and see what players should have us pumped up for the season.

I understand that Cubs fans are still working on forgiving this individual, but Addison Russell has had a productive spring, and has shown us how much he is trying to move on from last year’s… situation. Russell has slashed a .383/.395/.529. Addison has also hit two doubles, a triple, and knocked in six. Russell will be suspended for the first 40 games of the season, hopefully, he can keep this kind of productivity when his suspension is over.

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The biggest surprise of the spring is probably Nico Hoerner. Hoerner is ranked as the Cubs’ sixth overall prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. In 14 games, he slashed .471/.550/.1.059.

Hoerner added one home run, three doubles, a triple, and four RBI. The middle infielder was turning heads all spring. He may not start with the big league club, but if he does well in either Double-A or Triple-A, don’t be surprised to see him with the big league club.

David Bote exploded onto the scene last season, had many big hits, highlighted by his walk-off grand slam to beat the Nationals in August. I was excited to see how Bote would perform in the spring.

Although he started rough, taking a pitch to the head early, he would end up hitting .442/.545/.721. Bote also added three home runs, three doubles, and nine RBI. Bote will play a huge role this year, especially while Russell is serving his 40 game suspension.

Tyler Chatwood was, by far, the worst pitcher on the starting staff. Chatwood seemed to walk at least one per inning, and games he pitched usually took an extra hour to complete. This spring Chatwood threw 14 total innings while only walking four! He posted a 2.57 ERA as well, and to be honest if he can live in the 3’s throughout the season, that will be considered a huge accomplishment.

Many more players could have been mentioned (Yu Darvish).

But these players gave me the most excitement as the season is getting underway. While the season is starting, just remember, don’t get too low, don’t get too high, it’s a long season. It is finally time for Cub’s baseball! Enjoy!