Chicago Cubs: Tyler Durna could spell the future at first base

The Chicago Cubs are set at first base for the foreseeable future with their captain Anthony Rizzo. With that known, there is nothing wrong with eyeing the future of the position and what that could look like for the club.

When you watch the 22-year-old 15th round selection Tyler Durna ready himself in the batter’s box, there is immediately an aura of Jeff Bagwell that comes to mind. Before we get too far, no Durna is not Bagwell, at least not yet. However, his presence in the batter’s box is reminiscent of the Hall of Fame first baseman.

For context, Bagwell was a right-handed batter while Durna hits from the left side. Interestingly too, Durna stands at 6’0″, 205 pounds. Bagwell is also exactly 6’0″ tall and weighs in at 215 pounds. Durna carries a very similar, albeit from the opposite side, compact stance which helps him generate his pop. Bagwell’s stance remained less open throughout his career. However, he still used it for his power.

The Cubs selected Durna out of the University of California-San Diego as the 458th overall player off the board. He immediately signed for $100,000 and was off to the races in his professional career. For the young left-handed first baseman trying to carve his path through the system, so far all signs point in the correct direction to a healthy future in blue and white pinstripes.