Cubs Rumors: Does David Peralta make sense in this team’s outfield?

Cubs Rumors: Depth, depth, and more depth

Over the previous two seasons, Schwarber has shown a substantial amount of growth. In 2018, Schwarber experienced a great year, posting a .343 wOBA and 115 wRC+, his best since his 2015 rookie campaign.

His overall fielding improved immensely as well, as he went from a -9 DRS in 2017 to a +2 DRS last season. Schwarber also managed to improve his URZ/150 from an 8.8 in 2017 to a 14.0 last year. The most notable improvements in his game came defensively.

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This season has been tough for the former first rounder in the outfield, unfortunately. Through his first half, Schwarber has posted a -2 DRS while sitting barely in the positive with a 0.9 UZR/150. But that’s not enough to make me suggest the team ship Schwarber out to greener pastures.

Given his makeup and the club’s current construction, I think had Theo Epstein wanted to trade Schwarber they would have done so a long time ago.

That brings us to Heyward, who is currently experiencing his best season since signing with the Cubs prior to the 2016 season. Offensively, the veteran outfielder is well above-average, and his glove does all the talking in right field.

The discussion about Peralta as a fit for the Cubs probably hinges on Heyward moving to center field. Last season, Heyward posted a 3 DRS and 5.4 UZR/150 in 154 1/3 innings at the position, so the team knows he does possess the ability to play in center. There would need to be some shuffling, and possibly another move if Peralta were to come over in any deal.