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Chicago Cubs: Is Jason Heyward the ‘X-factor’ moving forward?
By Martin Fenn
Chicago Cubs: Heyward could change dynamically as a clutch hitter
The Cubs are undoubtedly going to be in some tight games in the final weeks, and Heyward needs to start producing.
Before his heroics on Wednesday night, Heyward was slashing just .174/.318/.290 in high-leverage situations, and .203/.318/.270 in all situations deemed “Late & Close.”
However, Heyward can drastically alter the narrative by becoming a more reliable hitter in crunch time. He proved as much on Wednesday.
Heyward is still running one of the highest walk rates of his career, and although he struggled mightily in August his hard contact rate was still fairly average.
David Bote deserves more recognition. dark. Next
Chicago desperately needs to build momentum if they hope to catch the Cardinals in the National League Central, and Heyward could be the guy that puts the lineup over the top.