Chicago Cubs: Where does Albert Almora fit into this team?

A former sixth overall pick of the Chicago Cubs, Albert Almora has struggled a great deal – to the extent his days with the team may be numbered.

Based on his performance this year, Albert Almora is, to most Chicago Cubs fans, little more than a late-inning defensive specialist. We have seen flashes of excellence and horrible droughts in the four years he has been with the club. As former top 10 pick, many Cubs fans hoped for more. While his defensive abilities are Gold Glove-caliber, he has been underwhelming in the batters box.

Since entering the league in 2016, Almora has built a reputation as a traditional contact hitter. He does not wow you with power, accumulating a career OPS of .720, and does not show signs of growing into a power guy either. Almora has 28 career long balls in 1,255 plate appearances.

Being a contact hitter, on base percentage is very important. Almora has had over a .300 OBP his first three seasons (.308 .338 .323). This is nothing to be thrilled about, but the Cubs and many fans assumed he would grow into more well-rounded hitter with time. Unfortunately, 2019 has been a the roughest year yet for the young center fielder.