Chicago Cubs: Projecting the team’s Opening Day starting lineup

Chicago Cubs: Darvish to get the ball on Opening Day?

Make no mistake about it. If Chicago is going to find success this year, Yu Darvish will need to once again step up – just like he did in the second half last year. The big right-hander turned in a masterful showing after the All-Star Break, all but erasing memories of his injury-plagued 2018 debut.

He wanted the ball down the stretch in big games – and he delivered without missing a step. His 118-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio was mind-boggling to behold. Darvish showed that he’s worth every penny of his six-year, $126 million deal, unleashing an arsenal of pitches that’s unrivaled in today’s game.

Now, we know that Darvish was a big fan of Maddon, who he credited with helping him feel comfortable last season. He’ll have to adjust to Ross’ tutelage this season; but that shouldn’t matter – he’s got his feet under him in Chicago and now, it’s time to grind.

After Jon Lester‘s dismal showing in 2019 (and his notorious slow starts), it’s hard to imagine him getting the nod on Opening Day in Milwaukee. He’s not the ace anymore – as tough as that might be to accept.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Ross go with Darvish on Opening Day, followed by Lester and Jose Quintana, who carries a 2.87 ERA in his career against the Brew Crew, including some stellar outings as a Cub in Miller Park.

That allows Kyle Hendricks, who is nothing short of lights-out at Wrigley Field, to take the ball in the home opener on March 30 against the Pirates. Last season, the soft-tossing hurler turned in a 2.04 ERA at home, as opposed to an unsightly 5.02 mark away from the Friendly Confines.

Chicago Cubs: A loaded infield will return with one goal in mind

At this point, with his grievance still up in the air, I think Kris Bryant will return to the Cubs in 2020. I’m not saying he’ll finish the year with the team, but it looks like he’ll be in the lineup in Milwaukee on Opening Day.

So if you pencil Bryant in at third and, obviously, Anthony Rizzo across the diamond at first base, a position he’s locked up for the Cubs for the better part of a decade, you turn your attention to the middle infield.

Now, we know who’s playing shortstop. 2018 National League MVP runner-up Javier Baez has emerged as a true force in recent years, both with his glove and hit bat. There are few players in the game who can play at the same level with such a dynamic presence on the diamond. One problem, though? It’s hard to say who will form the other half of the Cubs middle infield.

David Bote makes sense as he’s relatively split-neutral in his career and his bat has significant upside. I’d say there’s next to no chance someone like Daniel Descalso starts regularly next year given his performance in 2019 – and I don’t think Robel Garcia or Nico Hoerner open the year with the big league club.

For now, let’s assume Bote rounds out the infield on Opening Day and shift our attention to the outfield.

Chicago Cubs: Can Happ solidify the team’s outfield picture?

In my mind, there’s no chance Albert Almora start in center field on Opening Day. The only two ways I can see it happening? Ian Happ plays terribly this spring, forcing Chicago to turn to Almora or there’s an injury that forces the team’s hand.

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For the last year-plus, Almora, a former first-round pick, has been the worst offensive player in baseball. In 2019, his defense took a step back, as well, which, to that point, had been the feather in his proverbial cap. Given Happ’s late season surge that saw him bring home National League Player of the Week honors in the season’s final days, right now I think he’s got the upper hand.

Jason Heyward will undoubtedly start in right field. Of course, that’s assuming Milwaukee sends right-hander Brandon Woodruff (or another righty) to the mound that day. But there are two points to make when it comes to Heyward.

1. If there’s a lefty on the mound, don’t start him. I know you lose his glove, but the offensive drop-off isn’t to be taken lightly.
2. Never, under any circumstances, bat him in the leadoff spot. Keep those two things in mind and I expect the veteran will have his best offensive season as a Cub.

Last but not least, Kyle Schwarber will handle things in left field. He’s coming off a breakout 38-homer campaign in which he was one of the most valuable offensive players in the entire league down the stretch. If he can carry that over to 2020 and put up that kind of performance over the course of an entire season, Cubs fans might finally see the numbers they’ve yearned for since 2015.

This won’t be a popular opinion, but as the roster is currently constructed, here’s how I’m lining it up on Opening Day. Now, this might not be ideal – but Chicago can’t keep giving away outs at the top of the order.

• 1. Anthony Rizzo 1B / 2. Javier Baez SS / 3. Kris Bryant 3B / 4. Kyle Schwarber LF / 5. Jason Heyward RF / 6. Willson Contreras C / 7. David Bote 2B / 8. Ian Happ CF / 9. Yu Darvish P

There’s a lot that can happen between now and late March. But don’t be surprised if the first lineup card Ross hands to a home plate umpire looks a lot like this come Opening Day.